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Pharmacopsychiatry 2011; 44(4): 159-160
DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1279727
Letter

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Influence of the 393T>C Polymorphism of the GNAS1 Gene on the Intensity of Opiate Withdrawal

H. S. Bachmann2 , B. Lieb1 , U. Bonnet1 , M. Specka1 , S. Augener1 , W. Siffert2 , N. Scherbaum1
  • 1Addiction Research Group at the Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, LVR-Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
  • 2Institute of Pharmacogenetics, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
Further Information

Publication History

received 11.10.2010 revised 21.02.2011

accepted 21.03.2011

Publication Date:
27 June 2011 (online)

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Abstract

There are high interindividual differences regarding the intensity of withdrawal symptoms. in opiate addicts. This study was carried out in order to test whether the intensity of withdrawal is influenced by the 393T>C polymorphism of the GNASI gene. Only patients addicted exclusively to opiates were included. Thirty-three out of 39 patients undergoing inpatient detoxification treatment achieved a drug-free state. During the most intense period of withdrawal (stop of methadone and following days) TT homozygotes (n=4) had a significantly higher pulse rate (primary outcome criterion) than C-allele carriers (n=29). This study and a previous study about GNB3 825C> T underline the possible role of G-protein polymorphisms in the interindividual variability of opiate withdrawal.

Key words

opiate withdrawal - G-protein - 393T>C polymorphism - clonidine - sympathetic activity

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Correspondence

Prof. Dr. N. Scherbaum

Department of Addictive Behaviour and

Addiction Medicine

LVR-Hospital Essen

University of Duisburg-Essen

Virchowstraße 174

45147 Essen

Germany

Phone: +49/201/7227 180

Fax: +49/201/7227 254

Email: norbert.scherbaum@uni-due.de

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