ABSTRACT
The neurotransmitter serotonin has been critically implicated in the pathogenesis of several mental disorders. The serotonin transporter (5-HTT) is a key regulator of serotonergic neurotransmission and its genetic variability is associated with increased risk of psychopathology. One well known polymorphic locus in the 5-HTT gene affecting its expression is a tandem repeat in the promoter region (5-HTTLPR). It has been reported that 5-HTT is functionally coupled with the neuronal nitric oxide synthase (NOS1 or nNOS), an enzyme catalyzing the production of nitric oxide (NO). We have previously demonstrated that a tandem repeat polymorphism in the promoter of NOS1 exon 1f (Ex1f-VNTR) is associated with sensorimotor gating, a marker of inhibitory processing and a well established endophenotype of several neuropsychiatric disorders. Here we investigated the combined genetic effects of NOS1 Ex1f-VNTR and 5-HTTLPR on sensorimotor gating, measured by prepulse inhibition (PPI) of the acoustic startle reflex, in 164 healthy adults. We found no evidence for the interaction between NOS1 Ex1f-VNTR and 5-HTTLPR on PPI. PPI was associated with NOS1 Ex1f-VNTR, but not 5-HTTLPR. Our data suggest that while NOS1 plays a role in sensorimotor gating, the nitrergic pathway of gating regulation does not involve the action of 5-HTT.
Subject(s)
Nitric Oxide Synthase Type I/genetics , Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide , Prepulse Inhibition/genetics , Reflex, Startle/genetics , Sensorimotor Cortex/physiology , Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins/genetics , Adult , Exons , Female , Genotype , Humans , Male , Minisatellite Repeats , Phenotype , Promoter Regions, Genetic , Young AdultABSTRACT
With regard to the changing resistance of microorganisms it is important to develop and test steadily new chemotherapeutic agents. The authors used the preparation CIPROBAY of Bayer Co. (ciprofloxacin) prophylactically in 60 patients of a group before instrumental endoscopic examination of before endoscopic operation. Evaluation of the results of Ciprobay administration revealed a high antibacterial and very good tolerance and simple administration of the preparation.
