Association of genes within the major histocompatibility complex with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Abstract

The objective was to determine whether a relationship exists among the complement C4B gene, a DR region gene and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Thirty-one subjects with ADHD, their mothers, all but 5 of their fathers, and 90 normal subjects living in northern Utah were studied. DR and C4B typing were performed by serologic HLA typing techniques and the DNA methods PCR-RFLP. The alleles of 2 genes, the null allele of the C4B gene and the beta 1 allele of the DR gene, encode for products involved in immune function and regulation. Each of these alleles was found to be significantly associated with ADHD. Moreover, approximately 55% of the ADHD subjects carried both of these alleles on 1 of their chromosomes, compared to only 8% of normal controls. Genes related to the immune system may be associated with development of the symptoms of ADHD.

• Authors: J D Odell, R P Warren, W L Warren, R A Burger, A Maciulis
• Journal: Neuropsychobiology (Neuropsychobiology) Vol. 35 Issue 4 Pg. 181-6 ( 1997) ISSN: 0302-282X [Print] Switzerland
• PMID: 9246218 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)

Topics

• Adolescent
• Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity (genetics)
• Child
• Child, Preschool
• Chromosomes, Human, Pair 6 (genetics)
• Female
• Humans
• Major Histocompatibility Complex (genetics)
• Male
• Risk Factors