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Published on: August 11, 2021
Serotonin transporter activity in platelets and canine aggression
Belén Rosado1, Sylvia García-Belenguer, Jorge Palacio
1Department of Animal Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Zaragoza, Miguel Servet, 177, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain. belen@unizar.es
Veterinary Journal (London, England : 1997)
|August 28, 2009
Summary
Canine aggression may be linked to the serotonin (5-HT) transporter (5-HTT). Aggressive dogs exhibited increased platelet 5-HT uptake, suggesting a role for altered serotonin transport in this behavior.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Neuroscience
- Behavioral Biology
- Neurochemistry
Background:
- The serotonergic system is implicated in regulating canine aggression.
- The specific role of the serotonin (5-HT) transporter (5-HTT) in canine aggression remains uninvestigated.
- Platelet 5-HT uptake is a potential peripheral indicator of central 5-HTT activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between platelet 5-HTT activity and canine aggression.
- To measure 5-HT uptake in platelets and serum 5-HT concentrations in aggressive and non-aggressive dogs.
Main Methods:
- Comparative study design involving aggressive (n=14) and non-aggressive (n=17) dogs.
- Measurement of serotonin (5-HT) uptake rate mediated by 5-HTT in platelets.
- Quantification of serum 5-HT concentrations.
Main Results:
- Aggressive dogs displayed significantly higher platelet 5-HT uptake mediated by 5-HTT compared to controls.
- Serum 5-HT concentrations were significantly lower in aggressive dogs than in non-aggressive dogs.
- These findings suggest an association between altered serotonergic system function and canine aggression.
Conclusions:
- An alteration in the serotonergic system, potentially involving increased 5-HT transport via 5-HTT, is associated with canine aggression.
- Platelet 5-HTT activity may serve as a biomarker for aggression-related behavioral traits in dogs.
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