SEROTONIN FUNCTION IN HUMAN-SUBJECTS - INTERCORRELATIONS AMONG CENTRAL 5-HT INDEXES AND AGGRESSIVENESS

Three central indices of serotonin (5-HT) system activity in human sub jects were examined to: (a) estimate intercorrelations among 5-HT indi ces and (b) compare correlations of these indices with a measure of as saultiveness (Buss-Durkee 'Assault') in personality-disordered individ uals. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) co ncentration and prolactin responses to m-chlorophenylpiperazine (m-CPP ) m-CPP (PRL[m-CPP]) and fenfluramine (PRL[FEN]), served as indices of pre-, post- and 'net'-synaptic central 5-HT activity, respectively. P RL[D,L-FEN] responses were inversely related to CSF 5-HIAA concentrati on and positively correlated with PRL[m-CPP] responses. Both PRL[D,L-F EN] and PRL[m-CPP] response data correlated equally, and inversely, wi th ED Buss-Durkee Assault when the same subjects were examined. Basal CSF 5-HIAA concentration did not correlate with Buss-Durkee 'Assault'. PRL responses to challenge probes which involve activation of 5-HT po st-synaptic receptors may correlate better than a basal measure of pre -synaptic 5-HT function with a tendency to assaultive behavior in non- criminally aggressive personality-disordered individuals. (C) 1997 Els evier Science Ireland Ltd.