Evaluation of an allelic association of the serotonin 5-HT1B G681C polymorphism with antisocial alcoholism in the German population

Our study tested whether an association of the 861C allele of the serotonin 5-HT1B gene (HTR1B) with antisocial alcoholism exists in the German popula tion. The HTP1B G861C polymorphism was genotyped in 588 subjects of German descent, comprising 250 non-alcoholic controls and 338 alcohol-dependent su bjects, of whom 56 exhibited a dissocial personality disorder (DSPD). The T ridimensional Personality Questionnaire was assessed in 109 alcohol-depende nt males to explore an effect of the 861C allele to risk-taking behaviour. Our results revealed no evidence for an association of the 861C allele with antisocial alcoholism (p > 0.63). There were no significant differences in the personality traits, novelty-seeking, harm avoidance and reward depende nce between 46 male alcoholics carrying the 861C allele compared to those 6 3 alcoholics lacking it (p > 0.52). Our results do not provide evidence tha t the 861C allele contributes a substantial vulnerability effect to antisoc ial behavior in German alcohol-dependent subjects.