Serotonin-stimulated calcium release is decreased in platelets from high impulsivity patients

Impulsivity is a significant factor in many behavioural disorders. Previous studies have shown that dysfunction of serotonin (5-HT) pathways are correlated with impulsivity, but an underlying causative mechanism has not as yet been identified. The present study examined 5-HT-stimulated Ca2+ release from platelets from 33 patients exhibiting high impulsivity according to the Barratt Impulsivity Scale and from 26 healthy volunteers. 5-HT-stimulated Ca2+ release was significantly decreased in patients as compared to controls. These results indicate that impulsivity is linked to alterations in the 5-HT second-messenger cascade and suggest that further efforts should be made to understand the specific abnormalities in this complex pathway. This understanding may lead to the development of therapeutic strategies specific for regulation of 5-HT-stimulated Ca2+ release, providing more effective treatment for impulsive behavioural disorders.