Kappa opioid receptor, OPRK1 (chromosome 8q11.23), its’ endogenous ligand, dynorphin, and the ligand’s precursor, prodynorphin, affect substance-related phenomena (e.g., Anderson and Becker, 2017; Gilpin et al., 2014; Walker and Koob, 2008), but have not been adequately evaluated regarding alcohol sensitivity. Acute alcohol increases dynorphin in the nucleus accumbens and frontal cortex, and a kappa receptor antagonist decreases alcohol self-administration in animals with alcohol-dependent-like syndromes (Anderson and Becker, 2017; D’Addario et al., 2011; Gilpin et al., 2014; Walker and Koob, 2008). Rs963549 and rs997917 might relate to sedating effects of alcohol as measured by drinks consumed per day and IV alcohol challenges, at least in the context of naltrexone (Ashenhurst et al., 2012; Gelernter et al., 2007).
