Decreased platelet [H-3]paroxetine binding sites in suicide attempters

Research to date would suggest the possible involvement of the serotonin (5 -HT) system in the pathophysiology of suicide. With this study, we aimed to investigate the platelet 5-HT transporter, by means of the specific bindin g of tritiated paroxetine ([H-3]Par), in a sample of 20 suicide attempters recruited at a first-aid service, as compared with healthy control subjects and psychiatric patients with no current or previous history of suicide at tempt. The results, showing a decreased number of [H-3]Par binding sites in suicide attempters, would suggest the involvement of the presynaptic 5-HT transporter in self-aggressive behavior. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.