Citation

Spalletta G, Romeo E, Bonaviri G, Bernardi G, Caltagirone C, di Michele F. J. Psychiatry Neurosci. 2005; 30(1): 49-52.

Affiliation

Department of Neuroscience, University of Tor Vergata, the IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy. g.spalletta@hsantalucia.it

Copyright

(Copyright © 2005, Canadian Medical Association)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

15644998

PMCID

PMC543841

Abstract

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.

Language: en