REDUCTION IN SEROTONIN 5HT(2) RECEPTOR-BINDING ON PLATELETS OF DELINQUENT ADOLESCENTS

The possible involvement of serotonin receptors of the 5HT(2) type in aggressive behavior was studied in juvenile delinquents. A group of 28 delinquent adolescents (13-18 years old) who had committed violent cr imes was compared with a group of age matched controls. Subjects were drug and medication free during the study. 5HT(2) receptors were label ed on platelet membranes using tritiated ketanserin. Receptor binding in the delinquent adolescents was significantly lower than in age matc hed controls. Mean +/- SD of 76 controls was 32.3 +/- 14.2 fm/mg, comp ared to 16.6 +/- 8.2 fm/mg in 28 delinquents (P < 0.002, Student's t-t est). These results support a role for serotonin in general and 5HT(2) receptors in particular in human aggressive behavior.