CRH haplotype as a factor influencing cerebrospinal fluid levels of corticotropin-releasing hormone, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activity, temperament, and alcohol consumption in rhesus macaques.

ABSTRACT:

Context

Both highly stress-reactive and novelty-seeking individuals are susceptible to alcohol use disorders. Variation in stress reactivity, exploration, and response to novelty have been attributed to differences in corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) system function. As such, CRH gene variation may influence risk for alcohol use and dependence.

Objective

To determine whether CRH variation influences relevant intermediate phenotypes, behavior, and alcohol consumption in rhesus macaques.

Design

We sequenced the rhesus macaque CRH locus (rhCRH) and performed cladistic clustering of haplotypes. In silico analysis, gel shift, and in vitro reporter assays were performed to identify functional variants. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood samples were obtained, and leve

SUBMITTER: Barr CS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2688441 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature