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NGF decreases isolation-induced aggressive behavior, while increasing adrenal volume, in adult male mice
S Bigi1, D Maestripieri, L Aloe
1Section of Behavioral Pathophysiology, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy.
Abstract:
Intravenous administration of highly purified murine nerve growth factor (NGF, either 15 or 30 micrograms/subject/day) for six consecutive days to adult male mice of the CD-1 strain markedly influenced a number of items of aggressive behavior induced by 5 weeks of individual housing. Control mice received the same doses of cytochrome c. During a 20-min fighting session on day 7, both NGF-treated groups showed longer Latency to the first Attack, while Total Attacking Time and Aggressive grooming were significantly lower when compared to control animals. Twenty-four h later, adrenals from the NGF- and cytochrome c-treated groups were dissected and analyzed by means of a Vidas Image-Analyzer. NGF administration produced a remarkable dose-dependent increase in both adrenal weight and volume (particularly in the medullary zone), supporting the hypothesis that adrenals represent a possible target for the NGF release from submaxillary salivary glands occurring upon intraspecific fighting.
Insights
Nerve growth factor (NGF) administration reduced aggression in male mice. NGF also increased adrenal weight and volume, suggesting a link between NGF, fighting, and adrenal gland function.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Behavioral Endocrinology
- Animal Behavior
Background:
- Intraspecific fighting can trigger physiological responses.
- Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) plays a role in neuronal development and survival.
- The relationship between NGF and aggressive behavior is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of systemically administered Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) on aggressive behavior in male mice.
- To explore the impact of NGF on adrenal gland morphology following fighting.
Main Methods:
- Adult male CD-1 mice were housed individually for 5 weeks.
- Mice received daily intravenous injections of either NGF (15 or 30 µg/day) or cytochrome c for six consecutive days.
- Aggressive behavior was assessed during a 20-minute fighting session on day 7.
- Adrenal glands were analyzed 24 hours later for weight and volume using a Vidas Image-Analyzer.
Main Results:
- NGF treatment significantly increased latency to the first attack.
- Total attacking time and aggressive grooming were significantly reduced in NGF-treated mice compared to controls.
- NGF administration led to a dose-dependent increase in adrenal weight and volume, particularly in the medullary zone.
Conclusions:
- Systemic NGF administration effectively modulates aggressive behavior in male mice.
- The adrenal glands appear to be a target organ for NGF, potentially influenced by NGF release during fighting.
- These findings support a role for NGF in the neuroendocrine response to social conflict.