Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 19, 2026
10:17
The Tail Suspension Test
Published on: January 28, 2012
Shock-induced aggression in mice is modified by lithium
Colleen E Kovacsics1, Todd D Gould
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior
|October 6, 2009
Summary
Lithium treatment significantly reduced aggression in mice. However, lithium
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Behavioral Pharmacology
Background:
- Aggression is linked to psychiatric disorders.
- Lithium is known to reduce aggression in humans and rats.
- Its effects on shock-induced aggression in mice are less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of lithium on aggression in mice.
- Specifically examining its impact on shock-induced aggression.
Main Methods:
- Male mice received acute or chronic lithium treatment.
- Behavioral tests included shock-induced aggression, dominance tube, hot plate, and jump-flinch tests.
- Social interaction and activity levels were also assessed.
Main Results:
- Chronic lithium decreased the frequency and duration of attacks in shock-induced aggression.
- Acute lithium reduced attack duration and social interaction.
- Lithium did not affect thermal pain sensitivity or general activity, but altered shock sensitivity in the jump-flinch test.
Conclusions:
- Lithium effectively decreases shock-induced aggression in mice.
- Altered baseline shock sensitivity complicates the interpretation of lithium's anti-aggressive effects.
