Paroxetine binding in aggressive schizophrenic patients

Abstract

Decreased central serotonergic activity has been associated with aggressive behavior in humans and animals. Whether or not this phenomenon is related to current aggression or to aggressive tendency is debatable. [ 3H]paroxetine binding in blood platelets represents the activity of serotonin peripheral binding sites. We investigated a possible association between [ 3H]paroxetine binding in blood platelets and current aggression or homicidal history in schizophrenic patients. Blood platelets of 11 aggressive schizophrenic patients were assayed for [ 3H]paroxetine binding in blood platelets and compared to findings in 15 non-aggressive schizophrenic patients, 15 presently non-aggressive schizophrenic patients with homicidal history, and 15 healthy volunteers. Clinical evaluation was performed using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression and the Clinical Global Impression scale. B max of [ 3H]paroxetine binding in blood platelets of currently aggressive schizophrenic patients was significantly higher than that in platelets of non-aggressive schizophrenic patients, presently non-aggressive patients with homicidal history and healthy volunteers. No difference was found between the last three study groups. No significant correlation was found between scores of all rating scales and the investigated biochemical parameters. An association was found between current aggression among schizophrenic patients and high B max values of [ 3H]paroxetine binding in blood platelets. This association is probably related to present state of aggression rather than to tendency towards aggression.