Objective: Because it has been suggested that agents acting on the gamma-aminobutyric acid-A (GABA(A)) receptor complex, such as the neuroactive steroid 3alpha,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, G., Romeo, E., Bonaviri, G., Bernardi, G., Caltagirone, C., & Di Michele, F. (2005). Preliminary evidence for an association between aggressive and hostile behaviour and 3 alpha,5 alpha-tetrahydroprogesterone plasma levels in schizophrenia. JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY & NEUROSCIENCE, 30(1), 49-52.
Tipologia: | Articolo su rivista |
Citazione: | Spalletta, G., Romeo, E., Bonaviri, G., Bernardi, G., Caltagirone, C., & Di Michele, F. (2005). Preliminary evidence for an association between aggressive and hostile behaviour and 3 alpha,5 alpha-tetrahydroprogesterone plasma levels in schizophrenia. JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY & NEUROSCIENCE, 30(1), 49-52. |
URL: | WOS:000225887100008 |
IF: | Con Impact Factor ISI |
Lingua: | English |
Settore Scientifico Disciplinare: | Settore BIO/09 |
Revisione (peer review): | Sì, ma tipo non specificato |
Tipo: | Articolo |
Rilevanza: | Rilevanza internazionale |
Stato di pubblicazione: | Pubblicato |
Data di pubblicazione: | 2005 |
Titolo: | Preliminary evidence for an association between aggressive and hostile behaviour and 3 alpha,5 alpha-tetrahydroprogesterone plasma levels in schizophrenia |
Autori: | |
Autori: | Spalletta, G; Romeo, E; Bonaviri, G; Bernardi, G; Caltagirone, C; Di Michele, F |
Appare nelle tipologie: | 01 - Articolo su rivista |