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  • Title: Serotonin transporter gene status predicts caudate nucleus but not amygdala or hippocampal volumes in older persons with major depression.
    Author: Hickie IB, Naismith SL, Ward PB, Scott EM, Mitchell PB, Schofield PR, Scimone A, Wilhelm K, Parker G.
    Journal: J Affect Disord; 2007 Feb; 98(1-2):137-42. PubMed ID: 16930719.
    Abstract:
    BACKGROUND: Although the short allele of the serotonin transporter promoter polymorphism (5-HTT) has been linked to increased risk of major depression in early adult life, its relationships with late-life depression and to changes in subcortical nuclei remain unclear. METHODS: 5-HTT genotypes (SS, SL, LL) were determined for 45 older persons with major depression (mean age=52.0, sd=12.8) and 16 healthy controls (mean age=55.8, sd=10.3). MRI-derived volumes of the amygdala, hippocampus, caudate and putamen were determined by reliable tracing techniques. RESULTS: In those with depression, the short allele of 5-HTT was associated with smaller caudate nucleus volumes. Although hippocampal and amygdala volumes were smaller in those with depression as compared with control subjects, 5-HTT gene status did not predict this reduction in size. LIMITATIONS: The findings are limited by the number of clinical and control participants. CONCLUSIONS: Reduced caudate nucleus volume in older patients with major depression was associated with the short allele of the 5-HTT gene. This regional brain change may be a consequence of early developmental expression as well as later vascular or degenerative effects of this genotype.
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