Serotonin transporter gene (5-HTTLPR) polymorphisms are associated with emotional modulation of pain but not emotional modulation of spinal nociception

► 5-HTTLPR polymorphisms are associated with experimental pain perception. ► Men who were short allele carriers had higher pain thresholds and tolerances. ► Carriers of the short allele demonstrated enhanced emotion modulation of pain. ► 5-HTTLPR polymorphisms were not associated with modulation of spinal nociception. ► 5-HTTLPR polymorphisms may affect pain at the supraspinal, but not spinal, level.