Insights Into the Neurobiology of Impulsive Behavior From Serotonin Receptor Knockout Mice (IN: The Neurobiology of Suicide: From the Bench to the Clinic, ed. by D M Stoff & J J Mann)

The relationship between impulsivity & serotonin was studied by comparing “knockout” mice (mice that lacked the 5-HT(1B) receptor) with a control group. Impulsivity was studied because it underlies many social problems including suicide. The study found that knockout mice showed more impulsive aggression & acquired addictions. However, this was not as a result of changes in cognitive functions, as they could still discriminate between immediate small, & delayed large rewards. (95 refs.)