[The brain catecholamine systems in the regulation of dominance]

Effect was studied of catecholamine systems of the brain in the establishment of dominant-subordinate relations in artificial micropopulations formed of six males. Decrease of norepinephrine and dopamine content by the injection of alpha-methyl-DL-tyrosine and decrease of norepinephrine alone by means of FLA-57 and also norepinephrine decrease and dopamine increase caused by combined injection of FLA-57 and alpha-DOPA were accompanied by a transfer of dominant and subdominant animals into the rank of subordinates. Changes of correlation between catecholamines probably had specific effect on zoosocial dominance of animals in micropopulation because changes were not found in the motor activity against the background of these preparations. Conclusion is made that brain catecholamines have a principle significance in dominance control.