A possible genetic association between PROP-tasting and alcoholism

Fifty-five young adult subjects and their parents were classified as alcoholic or nonalcoholic based on a standardized questionnaire (the MAST) filled out by the subjects. Subjects' thresholds for detection of 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP; a PTC-like compound) were determined with the experimente...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inPhysiology & behavior Vol. 51; no. 6; p. 1261
Main Authors Pelchat, M L, Danowski, S
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.06.1992
Subjects
Adolescent
Adult
Alcoholism - genetics
Alcoholism - psychology
Female
Humans
Male
Propylthiouracil
Psychological Tests
Taste - genetics
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Summary:Fifty-five young adult subjects and their parents were classified as alcoholic or nonalcoholic based on a standardized questionnaire (the MAST) filled out by the subjects. Subjects' thresholds for detection of 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP; a PTC-like compound) were determined with the experimenter blind to MAST responses. There was a significantly higher proportion of nontasters of PROP among children of alcoholics than among children of nonalcoholics. There was no relationship between the child's alcoholism status and ability to taste PROP. These results are inconsistent with the view that excessive use of alcohol causes the association between nontasting and alcoholism and are consistent with the view that there is a genetic association between PROP/PTC-tasting and alcoholism.
ISSN:0031-9384
DOI:10.1016/0031-9384(92)90318-V