PLATELET SEROTONIN 2A (5-HT2A) RECEPTOR CHARACTERISTICS AND PARENTINGFACTORS FOR BOYS AT RISK FOR DELINQUENCY - A PRELIMINARY-REPORT

Objective: This study examined the cross-sectional association between platelet membrane serotonin 2A (5-HT2A) receptor variables in childre n and characteristics of their parents that place these children at ri sk for antisocial behavior. Method: As part of a larger prospective st udy investigating predictors of antisocial behavior, 38 younger brothe rs of convicted delinquents provided platelet samples; samples from 34 boys (mean age=8.3 years) were usable. The authors determined the den sity (B-max) and affinity (K-d) of platelet membrane 5-HT2A receptors by using [H-3]lysergic acid diethylamide. They also measured parental characteristics related to serotonergic dysfunction in prior studies, the quality of parent-child interactions, and psychiatric profiles of the boys who provided platelets. Results: B-max was significantly lowe r in boys whose parents had histories of substance abuse or incarcerat ion B-max was also inversely related to harsh parenting; boys raised i n environments characterized by frequent parental physical punishment and anger had a significantly lower B-max. B-max was not related to bo ys' disruptive behavior. Conclusions: In boys at risk for antisocial b ehavior, the density of 5-HT2A receptors on platelets is inversely rel ated to parental factors known to place youth at risk for antisocial b ehavior.