Reduced aggression in mice lacking the serotonin transporter |
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Authors: | Andrew Holmes Dennis L Murphy Jacqueline N Crawley |
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Institution: | (1) Human Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, University of Texas-Houston Health Science Center, 1300 Moursund Street, Houston, TX 77030-3497, USA, |
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Abstract: | Abstract
Rationale. The possible role of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in human aggression was evaluated by administering baclofen, a GABA-B agonist
and comparing the effects on laboratory measures of aggression and escape among subjects with and without a history of conduct
disorder.
Methods. Twenty male subjects with a history of criminal behavior participated in experimental sessions, which measured aggressive
and escape responses. Ten subjects had a history of childhood conduct disorder (CD+) and ten control subjects had no history
of CD. Aggression was measured using the point subtraction aggression paradigm (PSAP), which provides subjects with aggressive,
escape, and monetary-reinforced response options.
Results. Acute doses (0.07, 0.14 and 0.28 mg/kg) of baclofen had remarkably different effects on aggressive responses among CD+ subjects
relative to control subjects. Aggressive responses of CD+ subjects decreased, while aggressive responses of control subjects
increased following baclofen administration. Baclofen decreased escape responses for both CD+ and control subjects. No changes
in monetary-reinforced responses were observed, indicative of no central nervous system stimulation or sedation.
Conclusions. The GABA-B agonist baclofen suppressed aggressive responses in subjects with a history of childhood CD, while producing the
opposite effect in control subjects. These suggest a possible unique role for GABA in the regulation of aggression in CD+
population.
Electronic Publication |
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Keywords: | Aggression Escape Baclofen GABA |
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