NOUVELLES CONCEPTIONS GENETIQUES SUR LA PSYCHOSE MANIACO DEPRESSIVE

Genetic factors are often stressed in the etiology of manic depressive psychosis. However, the mode of transmission is still unknown, and most genetic studies have not yet distinguished between a major gene or polygenic theory. This study is an attempt to test the hypothesis of a dominant X linked factor in the transmission of manic depressive psychosis. The linkage study method was used in several informative families in order to permit the mathematical analysis of the results. A statistically significant linkage was found between manic depressive disease and 3 different genetic markers located on the X chromosome (protan and deutan color blindness and the Xga blood group). These results support the presence of a dominant X linked gene in the genetic transmission of manic depressive psychosis. The therapeutic and pathogenic implications of these results are also discussed in the light of current knowledge on the mechanisms of action of lithium salts, and the role played by biogenic amines in cerebral neurotransmission.SCOPUS: NotDefined.j