The 5HTTLPR polymorphism, psychopathologic symptoms, and platelet [3H-] paroxetine binding in bulimic syndromes

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Abstract
Background A short (s) allele in the promoter region of the 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT) transporter gene (5HTTLPR) has been associated with low transcription of the 5‐HT transporter protein, and with clinical manifestations including impulsivity, affective disorder, and bulimia nervosa. Methods We studied implications of the 5HTTLPR s allele for eating symptoms, psychopathologic traits, and platelet [3H‐] paroxetine binding in 59 women with bulimia spectrum syndromes. Results Compared with those without it, carriers of the s allele of 5HTTLPR showed significantly more affective instability, behavioral impulsivity, interpersonal insecurity, comorbid borderline personality disorder (BPD), and lower density (Bmax) of paroxetine‐binding sites. Conclusions Our results suggest that proneness to impulsivity, affective dysregulation, and reduced central 5‐HT reuptake may (in part) be codetermined by the 5HTTLPR polymorphism. However, given inconsistent 5HTTLPR expression in different populations, we speculate that we may be observing a phenotype (i.e., eating disorder)‐dependent manifestation. © 2004 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.