Preliminary evidence for an association between aggressive and hostile behaviour and 3alpha,5alpha-tetrahydroprogesterone plasma levels in schizophrenia.
OBJECTIVE
Because it has been suggested that agents acting on the gamma-aminobutyric acid-A (GABA(A)) receptor complex, such as the neuroactive steroid 3!#!alpha;,5alpha-tetrahydroprogesterone (3alpha,5alpha-THP), may be biologic modulators of aggression, we aimed to measure 3alpha,5alpha-THP plasma concentrations in subjects with schizophrenia in order to investigate a possible relation with aggressive and hostile behaviour.


METHODS
Eight outpatients with schizophrenia diagnosed according to the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition (DSM-IV), were included. Aggression and hostility were assessed using the Modified Overt Aggression Scale and the paranoid/belligerence symptom cluster of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale. Plasma samples were obtained 1 hour before psychometric assessment and were quantified for 3alpha,5alpha-THP using a highly sensitive and specific combined analysis by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.


RESULTS
Increased aggressiveness and hostility were associated with increased 3alpha,5alpha-THP plasma levels (Pearson r = 0.72, p = 0.043 and Pearson r = 0.72, p = 0.041, respectively).


CONCLUSIONS
These preliminary results suggest that the neuroactive steroid 3alpha,5alpha-THP may affect aggression and hostility in humans.
Spalletta
Gianfranco
G
Department of Neuroscience, University of Tor Vergata, the IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy. g.spalletta@hsantalucia.it
Romeo
Elena
E
Bonaviri
Giuseppina
G
Bernardi
Giorgio
G
Caltagirone
Carlo
C
di Michele
Flavia
F
D000328:Adult; D000374:Aggression / Q000523:psychology*; D003900:Desoxycorticosterone / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000097:blood*
D003900:Desoxycorticosterone; C009413:tetrahydrodeoxycorticosterone