Polymorphisms in the Dopamine D4 and D2 Receptor Genes and Reproductive and Sexual Behaviors

Abstract

Human reproductive and sexual behaviors are heritable and may represent integral life history traits that are likely partially subserved by the dopamine system. Two dopamine receptor polymorphisms, DRD4 48bp VNTR and DRD2 TaqI A, were examined in relation to the Sexual-Orientation Inventory (SOI), age at first sexual intercourse, desired age of marriage, and desired age to have children in 195 (45% male) individuals from a general student population. As DRD4 7R alleles have been associated with migratory behavior, we also examined whether those with more 7R alleles had a greater frequency of multi-racial ancestries. Minor alleles of both polymorphisms (7R and A1 respectively) are believed to decrease the function of their respective receptors. Individuals with DRD4 7R alleles were more likely to have had sexual intercourse and to desire children earlier in life. In addition, DRD4 7R+ individuals were more likely to report multi-racial ancestries. Individuals with DRD2 A1 alleles were more likely to not want children and not want to marry. These results suggest that polymorphisms in the DRD4 and DRD2 genes are meaningfully associated with variation in reproductive and sexual behaviors. These results are provisionally interpreted as consistent with other findings suggesting that DRD4 7R and DRD2 A1 alleles are adaptive for lower offspring investment strategies in dynamic social environments.