Aggressive behavior linked to corticotropin-reactive autoantibodies

Area of Science:

• Neuroendocrinology
• Immunology
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Altered stress response is linked to aggressive and antisocial behavior.
• The biological mechanisms underlying this link remain unclear.
• Autoantibodies against stress hormones are hypothesized to play a role.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the presence of autoantibodies against corticotropin (ACTH), alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH), oxytocin, and vasopressin in aggressive male subjects.
• To compare autoantibody levels in individuals with conduct disorder and a history of violence against healthy controls.

Main Methods:

• Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect autoantibodies.
• Serum samples were analyzed from male subjects with conduct disorder, prisoners with a history of violence, and healthy blood donors.
• Specific autoantibodies measured included those against ACTH, alpha-MSH, oxytocin, and vasopressin.

Main Results:

• Significantly increased levels of ACTH-reactive immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgM autoantibodies were observed in both aggressive groups compared to controls.
• Slightly increased levels of oxytocin-reactive IgM autoantibodies were found in aggressive subjects.
• Lower levels of vasopressin-reactive IgG and IgM autoantibodies were noted specifically in the conduct disorder group.

Conclusions:

• Elevated ACTH-reactive autoantibodies and altered oxytocin/vasopressin-reactive autoantibodies in aggressive subjects may impact neuroendocrine stress and motivated behavior.
• These findings suggest a potential new biological mechanism for human aggressive behavior involving autoantibodies against stress-related neurohormones.