The involvement of substance P in the induction of aggressive behavior

Aggression is a complex social behavior that involves a similarly complex neurochemical background. The involvement of substance P (SP) and its potent tachykinin receptor (NK1) in the induction of both defensive rage and predatory attack appears to be a consistent finding. However, an overall understanding of the nature of the SP involvement in the induction of aggressive behavior has not yet been fully achieved. The aim of this review is to summarize and present the current knowledge with regards to the role of SP in the induction of aggressive behavior and to synopsize: (a) its biochemical profile, and (b) the exact anatomical circuits through which it mediates all types of aggressive behavior. Future studies should seriously consider the potential use of this knowledge in their quest for the treatment of mood and anxiety disorders. (C) 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.