Serotonin transporter activity in platelets and canine aggression.
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.
Rosado
Belén
B
Department of Animal Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Zaragoza, Miguel Servet, 177, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain. belen@unizar.es
García-Belenguer
Sylvia
S
Palacio
Jorge
J
Chacón
Gema
G
Villegas
Ainara
A
Alcalde
Ana I
AI
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*
D050486:Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins