title: Serotonin transporter activity in platelets and canine aggression.
abstract: Several studies have suggested an inhibitory action of the serotonergic system in the regulation of canine aggression, but the role of the serotonin (5-HT) transporter (5-HTT) has not been investigated. Platelet 5-HT uptake has been proposed as a peripheral marker of brain 5-HTT. The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between platelet 5-HTT activity and canine aggression by measuring the rate of 5-HT uptake mediated by 5-HTT in platelets and serum concentrations of 5-HT in both aggressive (n=14) and non-aggressive dogs (n=17). Aggressive dogs showed significantly higher 5-HT uptake by 5-HTT in platelets and lower serum concentrations of 5-HT, compared with the control group. These results suggested an association between an alteration in the serotonergic system and canine aggression, possibly mediated by an increased 5-HT transport.
authors.affiliation: Department of Animal Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Zaragoza, Miguel Servet, 177, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain. belen@unizar.es
authors.forename: Belén
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Rosado
authors.forename: Sylvia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: García-Belenguer
authors.forename: Jorge
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Palacio
authors.forename: Gema
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Chacón
authors.forename: Ainara
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Villegas
authors.forename: Ana I
authors.initials: AI
authors.lastname: Alcalde
mesh_terms: D000374:Aggression; D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal; D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000378:metabolism*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D004285:Dogs / Q000378:metabolism / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D050486:Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins / Q000097:blood*
chemical_list: D050486:Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins