Serotonin function in human subjects: intercorrelations among central 5-HT indices and aggressiveness

Three central indices of serotonin (5-HT) system activity in human subjects were examined to: (a) estimate intercorrelations among 5-HT indices and (b) compare correlations of these indices with a measure of assaultiveness (Buss-Durkee 'Assault') in personality-disordered individuals. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) concentration 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. PRL[D,L-FEN] responses were inversely related to CSF 5-HIAA concentration and positively correlated with PRL[m-CPP] responses. Both PRL[D,L-FEN] and PRL[m-CPP] response data correlated equally, and inversely, with 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 post-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 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd.