5-HTT SS genotype is associated with the pro-nociceptive sensation by alcoholic sting.

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between the genetic polymorphism in the promoter of the SLC6A4 gene encoding the serotonin transporter (5-HTT) and the sensitivity to noxious stimulation from a clinical perspective. The genotyping of the 217 outpatients with mild epidermal abrasion in lateral crural region was performed by a combination of polymerase chain reaction and digestion. The intensity of pain to medical alcohol treatment was rated on a visual analog scale (VAS). The results suggest that the human triallelic 5-HTT genotypes are related to individual differences in sensitivity to alcoholic sting. According to the VAS ratings, the subjects with the 5-HTT low-expression genotype reported more pain than those with 5-HTT medium- and high-expression genotypes following test stimuli. There is no significant difference between sexes in the same SLC6A4 genotype and between medium and high expressions of 5-HTT subjects. Taken together, our study supports the hypothesis that the transcription rate of the 5-HTT transporter may play an important role in the pain sensitivity and central sensitization.