Citation

Kumar AM, Kumar M, Lahey BB, Katz DA, Fernandez B, Shaw JA, Campo A, Nemeroff CB. J. Neuropsychiatry Clin. Neurosci. 2014; 26(3): 262-270.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, American Neuropsychiatric Association, Publisher American Psychiatric Publishing)

DOI

10.1176/appi.neuropsych.13060138

PMID

25093765

Abstract

Serotonergic dysfunctions are implicated in conduct disorder, impulsivity, and aggression. Early adverse experiences increase the risk for these behaviors in adolescents. The authors investigated serotonergic activity in one adolescent male who experienced maternal abandonment and childhood abuse and exhibited severely aggressive sexual offenses. Platelet serotonin (5-HT) concentration, [14C]-5HT uptake kinetics, and plasma prolactin, cortisol response to D,L-fenfluramine (D,L-FEN) were measured.

RESULTS showed extremely low 5-HT concentration (2.960.7 ng/108 platelets), [14C]-5HT uptake rate (0.560.04 mM/min/107platelets), undetectable Km and Vmax, and abnormally blunted prolactin, cortisol response to D,L-FEN. These abnormalities in this sexually aggressive adolescent may be a consequence of childhood abuse.

Language: en