Neuroplasticity and Aggression: An Interaction Between Vasopressin and Serotonin
Neuroplasticity and Aggression: An Interaction Between Vasopressin and Serotonin
This chapter focuses on two neurochemical signals that control aggression—serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, or 5-HT) and vasopressin (VP). 5-HT and VP appear to play significant roles in the regulation of impulsivity and aggression. 5-HT reduces aggressive responding, while VP enhances arousal and aggression in a context-dependent manner. The interaction between the brain and the environment is regulated, in part, by changes in gonadal and adrenal steroids. The stress of social subjugation alters the levels of testosterone and stress hormones, affecting gene transcription and translation. The VP/5-HT systems are sensitive to changes in these steroid hormones linking the neurochemical regulation of aggression to environmental events.
Keywords: aggressive behavior, neurochemical signals, 5-hydroxytryptamine, glucocorticoids, testosterone. environment
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