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Here are some recent articles about aggressive behavior. One links aggressive behavior to genetics and, the other, to Viagra. Dr. Rehert
Gene for Aggressive Behavior Found in Mice
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Scientists have discovered a gene in mice that appears to play an important role in anxious and aggressive behavior, according to a study released Thursday. Since humans have a similar gene, the researchers hope that their discovery may aid in the study of human anxiety and aggression disorders.
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Scientists have discovered a gene in mice that appears to play an important role in anxious and aggressive behavior, according to a study released Thursday. Since humans have a similar gene, the researchers hope that their discovery may aid in the study of human anxiety and aggression disorders.
In the study, which is published in the January 23rd issue of the journal Neuron, the investigators created mice that lacked the Pet-1 gene. As adults, the Pet-1 deficient mice were more aggressive than normal mice and were more likely to avoid open, unprotected spaces in their cages--a sign of increased anxiety.
"This is the first gene shown to impact adult emotional behavior through specific control of fetal serotonin neuron development," said senior investigator Dr. Evan S. Deneris.
SOURCE: Neuron 2003;37:1-20.
And here's article #2 about Viagra.
Scientists Debate Possible Viagra-Aggression Link
By Todd Zwillich
WASHINGTON (Reuters Health) - A debate has begun among scientists about whether Pfizer Inc.'s impotence drug Viagra (sildenafil) can be linked to aggressive behavior and sexual violence. One researcher has concluded that doctors should begin warning Viagra users about the possibility of psychological and emotional side effects. But other scientists, as well as officials at Pfizer, reject the claim as unsound.
In July of this year, Dr. Harold A. Milman, a toxicologist based in Rockville, Maryland, published a report in the Annals of Pharmacotherapy examining more than 12,000 reports of adverse events in men who took Viagra. The drug was listed as a suspect in 22 reports involving aggression, 13 involving rape and 6 involving murder, according to Milman's article.
The theory that the drug may cause aggression has formed the basis of the so-called "Viagra defense," a claim made by half a dozen defendants since 1998 that the drug caused them to commit violent crimes.
In interviews, other scientists rejected Milman's claims about a link to aggressive behavior. "To me, it is an extremely remote hypothesis," said Dr. Raymond C. Rosen, a professor of psychiatry and medicine at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey.
The above is not meant to be medical advice. Please read the attached Disclaimer, Etc.
Until next time. Dr. Rehert
Until next time. Dr. Rehert
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