The association between personality, pain threshold and a single nucleotide polymorphism (rs3813034) in the 3′-untranslated region of the serotonin transporter gene (SLC6A4)

In 181 healthy Japanese volunteers we examined the relationship between personality, sensitivity to pain and a single nucleotide polymorphism (rs3813034) in the 3′ untranslated region (3′ UTR) of the serotonin transporter (5-HTT) gene (SLC6A4). Pain sensitivity was assessed by using cold and pressure thresholds. Personality was assessed by the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI). Males without the T allele (G/G) showed a significantly higher spiritual acceptance (ST3) score than those who had the T allele (T/T and T/G). Females with the T allele (T/T and T/G) showed significantly higher transpersonal identification (ST2) and self-transcendence (ST) scores than those without the T allele (G/G). As for pain sensitivity and its relationship with TCI, we found a low negative correlation between cold water stimulation, disorderliness (NS4) and novelty seeking (NS) in males, whereas in females we found a low positive correlation between cold water stimulation, self-acceptance (SD4) and pure-hearted principles (C5), as well as pressure stimulation and SD4. It is possible that the 5-HTT 3′ UTR gene polymorphism affects the character dimensions of Cloniger’s theory, and that there might be a low correlation between pain and a part of the personality.