Monoamines, GABA, Glutamate, and Aggression

Abstract

This chapter summarizes the evidence describing the roles that monoamines -5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), norepinephrine (NE), and dopamine (DA)-exert in the mediation of aggressive behavior. Aggression is diverse in its behavioral patterns and functions, and endogenous amines, acids, steroids, and peptides may have different effects on each kind of aggression. The importance of escalated forms of aggression is highlighted in an effort to model the harmful acts of aggression and violence in humans. Monoamines have powerful modulatory effects on aggression, and reciprocally, aggression alters monoamines. It is important to delineate the specific conditions and behaviors-when 5-HT appears to be inhibitory, and when NE and DA are aggression stimulating. The effects of monoamines are likely to be due to their interactions with other neurotransmitters, such as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate, and neuropeptides, such as vasopressin and opioids.