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

Abstract

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 binding of tritiated paroxetine ([ 3H]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 attempt. The results, showing a decreased number of [ 3H]Par binding sites in suicide attempters, would suggest the involvement of the presynaptic 5-HT transporter in self-aggressive behavior.