Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 17, 2026
07:28
An Inexpensive, Scalable Behavioral Assay for Measuring Ethanol Sedation Sensitivity and Rapid Tolerance in Drosophila
Published on: April 15, 2015
5-HT(3) receptors, alcohol and aggressive behavior in mice
S D McKenzie-Quirk1, K A Girasa, A M Allan
1Department of Psychology, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, USA.
Behavioural Pharmacology
|May 3, 2005
Summary
Blocking serotonin 5-HT(3) receptors with antagonists like ondansetron and zacopride reduced alcohol-related aggression in mice. These findings suggest 5-HT(3) receptor antagonism as a potential strategy for managing aggression.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Alcohol consumption is linked to aggression.
- The serotonin 5-HT(3) receptor plays a role in modulating alcohol's effects.
- Understanding the 5-HT(3) receptor's involvement in aggression is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of the 5-HT(3) receptor in alcohol-induced aggression.
- To evaluate the efficacy of 5-HT(3) receptor antagonists in reducing aggressive behavior.
Main Methods:
- Alcohol self-administration followed by resident-intruder tests in CFW mice.
- Administration of 5-HT(3) antagonists (ondansetron, zacopride) to assess effects on aggression.
- Testing aggression in 5-HT(3) over-expressing transgenic (TG) and wild-type (WT) mice with and without alcohol.
Main Results:
- Ondansetron and zacopride significantly reduced aggression in mice exhibiting alcohol-heightened aggression and those that did not.
- Aggression levels after alcohol intake did not differ between TG and WT mice.
- Zacopride reduced aggression in both TG and WT mice, but high doses affected motor function.
Conclusions:
- Antagonism of serotonin 5-HT(3) receptors demonstrates potential anti-aggressive effects.
- The effectiveness of 5-HT(3) receptor antagonism in modulating aggression may be influenced by genetic factors.
