No Association of Polymorphisms in the Dopamine Receptor D2 (DRD2) Gene with Cold Pressor Pain Sensitivity among Healthy Malay Males

• Main Authors: Nasir, Mohamad, Zalina, Zahari, Chee Siong, Lee
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: 2015
• Subjects: QH301 Biology
• Online Access: http://eprints.unisza.edu.my/7083/1/FH02-FP-16-05527.jpg; http://eprints.unisza.edu.my/7083/

Objective: To examine the effects of variations of loci in the dopamine receptor D2 (DRD2) gene on cold pressor pain responses among healthy Malay males. Material and Methods: Healthy Malay males (n = 152) from a local population signed an informed-consent and participated in this study. Their cold pressor test (CPT) responses (pain threshold, pain tolerance and pain intensity) were assessed at 0 hour, and at 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 hours after the first CPT. DNA was extracted from whole blood and subjected to PCR-genotyping for eight DRD2 polymorphisms (Val96Ala, Leu141Leu, Val154Ile, Pro310Ser, Ser311Cys, TaqI A, −141C Ins/Del and A-241G). The differences of CPT responses between the DRD2 polymorphisms were analysed using repeated measure ANOVA (RM-ANOVA). Results: Val96Ala, Leu141Leu, Val154Ile and Pro310Ser polymorphisms were not detected in any subject. There were no significant differences in pain responses (pain threshold, tolerance and intensity) between Ser311Cys, TaqI A, −141C Ins/Del and A-241G polymorphisms of DRD2 gene. Conclusion: DRD2 polymorphisms do not have impact on cold pressor pain threshold, pain tolerance and pain intensity. The present results also do not support the notion that DRD2 polymorphisms play a major role in cold pressor pain sensitivity.