title: Serotonergic function in aggressive and nonaggressive boys with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study was designed to assess central serotonergic (5-HT) function in aggressive and nonaggressive boys with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
  
  
  METHODS
  Prolactin response to a challenge dose of the 5-HT agonist d,l-fenfluramine was assessed in 25 7-11-year-old boys with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder who were divided into aggressive and nonaggressive subgroups. In addition, the subgroups were compared on plasma catecholamine metabolites and platelet 5-HT.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The aggressive group had a significantly greater prolactin response to the fenfluramine challenge than the nonaggressive subgroup. The groups did not differ on peripheral measures of neurotransmitter function.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These data suggest that aggressive and nonaggressive children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder differ in central 5-HT functioning.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Queens College, Flushing, NY 11367.
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Halperin
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Sharma
authors.forename: L J
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Siever
authors.forename: S T
authors.initials: ST
authors.lastname: Schwartz
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Matier
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Wornell
authors.forename: J H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Newcorn
mesh_terms: D000374:Aggression / Q000502:physiology*; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000097:blood / Q000503:physiopathology*; D002648:Child; D005277:Fenfluramine / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011388:Prolactin / Q000097:blood; D011985:Receptors, Serotonin / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D011985:Receptors, Serotonin; D005277:Fenfluramine; D011388:Prolactin