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Aggressive behaviour and platelet 3H-paroxetine binding in schizophrenia
K Maguire1, P Cheung, K Crowley
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Austin and Repatriation Medical Centre, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia.
Schizophrenia Research
|January 17, 1997
Summary
This study found no link between aggressive behavior in schizophrenic patients and serotonin function, as measured by 3H-paroxetine binding to platelet membranes. Peripheral serotonin levels did not differ significantly between aggressive and non-aggressive patient groups.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Serotonin is implicated in mood and behavior regulation.
- Altered serotonin function is hypothesized to contribute to aggression in psychiatric disorders.
- Platelet 3H-paroxetine binding is a peripheral measure of serotonin transporter availability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between peripheral serotonin function and aggressive behavior in patients with schizophrenia.
- To determine if 3H-paroxetine binding to platelet membranes differs between aggressive and non-aggressive schizophrenic individuals.
Main Methods:
- Forty schizophrenic patients were assessed for aggressive behavior and grouped accordingly.
- Peripheral serotonin function was measured using 3H-paroxetine binding assays on platelet membranes.
- Blood samples were collected in pairs to minimize assay variability.
Main Results:
- No significant differences were found in the dissociation constant (Kd) or maximum binding capacity (Bmax) of 3H-paroxetine between aggressive and non-aggressive groups.
- No significant correlations were observed between serotonin binding parameters and various psychopathological ratings, including aggression, hostility, and impulse control.
Conclusions:
- Peripheral serotonin function, as assessed by 3H-paroxetine platelet binding, does not appear to be directly related to aggressive behavior in schizophrenia.
- These findings suggest that other mechanisms may underlie aggression in this patient population.