Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 28, 2026
09:12
The Resident-intruder Paradigm: A Standardized Test for Aggression, Violence and Social Stress
Published on: July 4, 2013
Serotonin2A receptor binding potential in people with aggressive and violent behaviour.
Jeffrey H Meyer1, Alan A Wilson, Pablo Rusjan
1Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont. jeff.meyer@camhpet.ca
Journal of Psychiatry & Neuroscience : JPN
|November 5, 2008
Summary
Lower brain serotonin 5-HT2A receptor density in the prefrontal cortex is linked to violent aggressive behavior. This reduction is more pronounced with increased impulsivity and aggression, particularly in younger individuals.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Neuroimaging
Background:
- Serotonin 5-HT2A receptors play a crucial role in mood and behavior regulation.
- Previous research has not examined 5-HT2A receptor density in medication-naive individuals with violent aggression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate prefrontal cortex 5-HT2A binding potential (BPND) in an unbiased sample of individuals with violent aggressive behavior.
- To determine if 5-HT2A BPND differs between individuals with violent aggression and healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- Utilized [18F]setoperone positron emission tomography (PET) to measure 5-HT2A BPND.
- Examined the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (Brodmann area 9) in 16 participants with violent aggressive behavior and 16 healthy controls.
Main Results:
- Individuals with violent aggression showed a 44% steeper decline in 5-HT2A BPND with age compared to controls.
- Lower 5-HT2A BPND in the prefrontal cortex correlated with higher levels of impulsivity and aggression (Barratt Impulsivity Scale).
Conclusions:
- Reduced prefrontal cortex 5-HT2A BPND is associated with violent aggression.
- This reduction is more significant in younger individuals and those with greater impulsivity and aggression.
Keywords:
aggressionpositron emission tomographyreceptors, serotonin, 5-HT2AserotoninsetoperonesuicideMore Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:47Aggression
Humans engage in aggression when they seek to cause harm or pain to another person. Aggression takes two forms depending on one’s motives: hostile or instrumental. Hostile aggression is motivated by feelings of anger with intent to cause pain; a fight in a bar with a stranger is an example of hostile aggression. In contrast, instrumental aggression is motivated by achieving a goal and does not necessarily involve intent to cause pain (Berkowitz, 1993); a contract killer who murders for hire...
01:21Drugs Affecting Neurotransmitter Release or Uptake
Certain drugs can affect how neurotransmitters called catecholamines, are released or taken back up in the adrenergic neuron. They can have different effects on the body's sympathetic transmission. Reserpine, a natural compound found in the Rauwolfia shrub, blocks a transporter called vesicular monoamine transporter (VMAT), which leads to a buildup of catecholamines in the cell and reduces sympathetic transmission. Another drug called guanethidine works in multiple ways, including blocking...
01:21Antipsychotic Drugs: Typical and Atypical Agents
Antipsychotic drugs are classified into first-generation (typical) drugs including phenothiazines; and second-generation (atypical) drugs. Chlorpromazine hydrochloride (Thorazine), a phenothiazine derivative, broadly impacts the central, autonomic, and endocrine systems. This drug, along with typical agents like haloperidol (Haldol), primarily works by antagonizing D2 receptors, thus reducing dopaminergic neurotransmission. However, typical antipsychotics can cause side effects such as sedation...
01:23Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Serotonin Receptor Agonists
Serotonin, a crucial neurotransmitter synthesized by enterochromaffin cells, plays a cardinal role in regulating gastrointestinal (GI) motility. With over 90% of the body's total serotonin in the GI tract, its influence on digestive processes is profound. Serotonin is swiftly released upon various stimuli, such as food boluses or certain drugs, triggering intrinsic sensory neurons in the myenteric plexus and extrinsic vagal and spinal sensory neurons. This leads to the activation of the...
01:25Drug-Receptor Interaction: Agonist
Agonists are drugs that interact with specific receptors in the body to produce a biological response. When an agonist binds to a receptor, it activates or enhances the receptor's function, leading to physiological effects. The interaction between agonist drugs and receptors is crucial for their therapeutic action in various medical treatments.
Agonists can bind to receptors in different ways. Some agonists bind directly to the receptor's active site, mimicking the endogenous ligand's action.
Agonists can bind to receptors in different ways. Some agonists bind directly to the receptor's active site, mimicking the endogenous ligand's action.
01:21Secondary Motives: Affiliation Motivation and Aggression Motivation
Affiliation motivation is the intrinsic desire to connect with others and belong to a social group, which plays a crucial role in forming and maintaining personal relationships. This type of motivation is essential for psychological well-being, as it provides individuals with a sense of community and support. An example of this is a student who joins a study group in order to feel a sense of connection. People with high affiliation motivation actively seek social approval, take satisfaction in...