Effect of tryptaminergic drugs on electroshock fighting behaviour in rats

The effect of some tryptaminergic drugs on electroshock fighting behaviour in rats was determined. Reserpine and tetrabenazine reduced the fighting responses while 5-hydroxytryptophan increased the fighting responses in normal as well as reserpine-treated animals. p-Chlorophenylalanine, a specific depletor of brain serotonin, also reduced the fighting responses. The results suggest that an increase of brain serotonin may have a facilitatory effect on electroshock fighting behaviour and a decrease of brain serotonin may impair fighting behaviour.