Abstract
We previously reported that pathological gamblers may have increased central noradrenergic activity. Neurons releasing γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) are known to be a part of an inhibitory system regulating the activity of central noradrenergic neurons. Therefore, we examined cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of GABA in pathological gamblers and normal controls. There was no significant difference between the groups. Also, depressed and nondepressed gamblers did not differ significantly in their CSF levels of GABA. Among controls, however, there was a significant negative correlation between CSF levels of GABA and the norepinephrine metabolite 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG) and a significant positive correlation between CSF levels of GABA and corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH). Also, CSF levels of CRH showed a significant positive correlation with CSF levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone in both pathological gamblers and controls.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 137-144 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Psychiatry Research |
Volume | 30 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Nov 1989 |
Externally published | Yes |
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- Psychiatry and Mental health
- Biological Psychiatry