Neurotransmitters, neuroendocrine correlates of sensation-seeking temperament in normal humans

Correlations between sensation-seeking (SS) personality dimension and plasma concentrations of norepinephrine (NE), epinephrine, and NE-dependent testosterone (T), cortisol and prolactin (PRL) were studied in 74 physically and psychologically healthy male volunteers, in order to see whether or not the noradrenergic system is involved in the modulation of this personality trait. Novelty-seeking scores by the Temperament and Character inventory and SS scores on a Visual Analog Scale were positively correlated with plasma NE, T and PRL levels, suggesting that NE and the downstream cascade of NE-dependent hormones, together with other monoaminergic changes, might be responsible for the development and the degree of this temperamental character.