Influence of trait hostility on tryptophan depletion-induced laboratory aggression.
Previous research has indicated that laboratory aggression in men increases after temporarily reducing the synthesis and neurotransmission of serotonin (5-HT) in the brain using the plasma L-tryptophan (Trp) depletion technique. Further research indicates that male subjects selected for high trait hostility are particularly prone to increased aggression following plasma Trp depletion. In a recent study of laboratory aggression in male control subjects, we demonstrated that laboratory aggression increased following ingestion of a Trp-depleting beverage, but not after ingestion of a Trp-containing beverage nor under food-restricted conditions. We report here that the increases in aggression under Trp-depleted conditions were specific to men who scored the highest on the Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire. These preliminary data support earlier findings that compared to non-hostile men, hostile men may be more prone to behavior change induced by the perturbation of the 5-HT neurotransmitter system.
Dougherty
D M
DM
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas-Houston Medical School, 77030, USA. ddoughrt@msi.uth.tmc.edu
Bjork
J M
JM
Marsh
D M
DM
Moeller
F G
FG
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000374:Aggression / Q000523:psychology*; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D015415:Biomarkers; D001921:Brain / Q000378:metabolism*; D006791:Hostility; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012650:Self Disclosure; D012701:Serotonin / Q000378:metabolism*; D014364:Tryptophan / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood / Q000172:deficiency*
D015415:Biomarkers; D012701:Serotonin; D014364:Tryptophan