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Behavioural differences between artificially selected aggressive and non-aggressive mice: response to apomorphine.
R F Benus1, B Bohus, J M Koolhaas
1Department of Animal Physiology, University of Groningen, Haren, The Netherlands.
Behavioural Brain Research
|May 15, 1991
Summary
Aggressive mice exhibit heightened sensitivity in their dopaminergic system compared to non-aggressive mice. This neurochemical difference, revealed by apomorphine response, influences behavioral flexibility.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Animal Behavior
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Behavioral differences between aggressive and non-aggressive male mice are not fully understood.
- The neurochemical underpinnings, particularly the dopaminergic system, are implicated in behavioral profiles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the neurochemical basis of behavioral differences between aggressive (SAL) and non-aggressive (LAL) male mice.
- To assess the role of the dopaminergic system in mediating these behavioral distinctions.
Main Methods:
- Utilized two selected lines of mice: Short Attack Latency (SAL) and Long Attack Latency (LAL).
- Administered the dopamine agonist apomorphine subcutaneously at 2.5 and 5.0 mg/kg.
- Measured responsivity to apomorphine by quantifying stereotyped behavior using a total stereotypy-score.
Main Results:
- SAL mice displayed a significantly greater enhancement of stereotyped behavior in response to apomorphine compared to LAL mice.
- The observed difference in response was quantitative, not qualitative.
- Pharmacokinetic variations between the mouse lines were excluded as a confounding factor.
Conclusions:
- SAL mice demonstrate increased sensitivity to apomorphine, indicating a difference in the dopaminergic system compared to LAL mice.
- This heightened dopaminergic sensitivity in aggressive mice may underlie differences in behavioral flexibility.