Abstract
Although the pathophysiology of gambling is unknown, an involvement of midbrain dopaminergic pathway has been hypothesized. In this study, the association between brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and pathological gambling was investigated. We measured BDNF serum levels in (1) video players (n = 10); (2) card players (n = 9); (3) mixed players (n = 21; both video and card players) and (4) age-matched controls (n = 18). Mixed players had increased BDNF serum levels as compared to controls and higher South Oaks Gambling Screen score as compared to card or video players. Thus, the data demonstrate that patients affected by severe pathological gambling show enhanced BDNF serum levels.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 749-751 |
Number of pages | 3 |
Journal | Addiction Biology |
Volume | 18 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Jul 2013 |
Keywords
- BDNF
- dopamine
- ELISA
- pathological gambling
- serum levels
- SOGS
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Medicine (miscellaneous)
- Psychiatry and Mental health
- Pharmacology