LACK OF ASSOCIATION BETWEEN NEUROLEPTIC MALIGNANT SYNDROME AND POLYMORPHISMS IN THE 5-HT1A AND 5-HT2A RECEPTOR GENES

Objective: The molecular basis of neuroleptic malignant syndrome is un clear, but studies suggest that genetic factors are involved in its pa thogenesis. Considering possible involvement of the serotonergic syste m in neuroleptic malignant syndrome, the authors examined the associat ion between neuroleptic malignant syndrome and polymorphisms of the 5- HT1A and 5-HT2A receptor genes. Method: The authors examined the frequ encies of gene polymorphisms in the 5-HT1A (Arg219Leu) and 5-HT2A (Thr 25Asn and His452Tyr) receptor genes in 29 patients previously diagnose d with neuroleptic malignant syndrome, 94 neuroleptic-treated patients with schizophrenia who had no history of neuroleptic malignant syndro me, and 94 healthy comparison subjects. Polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism analyses were used to screen gene mutations. Results: No polymorphic allele was detected in the pat ients who had experienced the neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Conclusi ons: The authors cannot conclude that polymorphisms in the 5-HT1A and 5HT(2A) receptor genes are factors determining susceptibility to the n euroleptic malignant syndrome.