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A GENE FOR ALCOHOLISM.

Data from several types of investigations have suggested that alcoholism is at least partially an inherited disease. This report, linking alcoholism with a genetic allele, strengthens this hypothesis immeasurably and hints at the possibility of future screening and treatment programs.

The investigators studied the gene that encodes the D2 dopamine receptor, which has been linked to neural "reward" mechanisms and drug-seeking behavior. Searching for the A1 allele of the gene in 70 brain samples, they found it in 69 percent of alcoholics but in only 20 percent of nonalcoholics.

Despite the small sample size, this study suggests that the A1 allele may prove useful in detecting patients at risk for alcoholism, and may provide insight into new potential treatments. However, an editorial urges caution until this work can be confirmed and extended, and notes that genetics can account for only part of the pathogenesis of this disorder.

— THL

Published in Journal Watch General Medicine April 24, 1990

Citation(s):

Gordis E et al. Finding the gene(s) for alcoholism. JAMA 1990 Apr 18 263 2094-2095.

• Medline abstract (Free)

Blum K et al. Allelic association of human dopamine D2 receptor gene in alcoholism. JAMA 1990 Apr 18 263 2055-2060.

• Medline abstract (Free)