Investigation of transcription factor AP-2 beta genotype in women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder.

It has repeatedly been shown that the serotonergic system is involved in the symptomatology of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Women with PMDD are reported to differ from symptom-free controls with regard to serotonin-related biological markers. Evidence from family and twin studies suggests a genetic contribution to the aetiology of PMDD.

Brainstem levels of transcription factor AP-2 in rat are changed after treatment with phenelzine, but not with citalopram.

Background: Before therapeutic effect is obtained after treatment with antidepressant drugs, like serotonin selective reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAO-Is) there is an initial lag-period of a few weeks. Neuronal adaptations on a molecular level are supposed to be involved in the initiation of the antidepressant effect. Transcription factor AP-2 is essential for neuronal development and many genes involved in the brainstem monoaminergic systems have binding sites for AP-2 in their regulatory regions.

Effect of long-term blockade of CRF(1) receptors on exploratory behaviour, monoamines and transcription factor AP-2.

Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) holds a central role in reactions to various environmental stimuli. In the present study, the administration of a selective nonpeptide CRF(1) receptor antagonist, CP-154,526, for 6 days, exerted an anxiolytic effect in the elevated zero-maze (EZM) test. CP-154,526 did not affect behaviour in the exploration box when administered acutely, but increased exploration when administered for 5 days, contingently with daily behavioural testing.

Transcription factor AP-2beta genotype, striatal dopamine D2 receptor density and cerebrospinal fluid monoamine metabolite concentrations in humans.

Transcription factor AP-2beta has been suggested to influence brain monoaminergic systems by regulating target genes. In order to explore a possible functional role, AP-2beta genotype was analysed in relation to striatal dopamine D2 receptor density determined in vivo by positron emission tomography in human subjects (n = 52). The AP-2beta genotype was also analysed in relation to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentrations of homovanillic acid (HVA), 3-methoxy-4-hydroxy-phenylglycol (MHPG) and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) in healthy human subjects (n = 90).

Transcription factor AP-2beta genotype associated with anxiety-related personality traits in women. A replication study.

Attempts to link transmitter system genes to certain aspects of personality have been performed. Several monoamine-related gene variants have been investigated. We previously reported an association between a transcription factor activating protein-2beta (AP-2beta) variant and anxiety-related personality traits as estimated by Karolinska Scales of Personality (KSP).