Reflections on experimental and human pathology of aggression

Abstract

o 1. On the basis of the already proposed distinction between “normal” and “pathological” aggression in laboratory animals, it is essayed an integration of the experimental findings derived from a specific animal model of aggression with the available clinical information on human violent behavior. 2. The too disregarded importance of the role played by the inhibitory control of brain functions, appears instead reportedly essential in the regulation of emotions and behavior, and is of great relevance in explaining the behavioral changes that follow induced or spontaneous impairment of the serotonergic system of the brain. 3. As a matter of fact, the numerous evidences indicate that genetic predisposition and induced or acquired defects of serotonergic inhibitory control greatly concur to precipitate anomalous strong aggression. 4. Interestingly, the cluster of symptoms presented by laboratory rats in consequence of the serotonergic discontrol, has many unexpected similarities with several pathological conditions of man. 5. This fact confers to laboratory experiments the value of a tool aimed at a better understanding of the biological mechanisms which underlie corresponding alterations of human conduct, with special reference to pathological aggression and violence. 6. In this line, some specific nutrient defects and/or malabsorption conditions can be important in the facilitation or elicitation of mental illness including human aggression. 7. In addition, the efficacy and neurochemical action of those substances capable to partially or completely block or prevent experimental aggression, will likely assume equal relevance in the management or prevention of human violent behavior.