The potential of antiestrogens as centrally-acting antihostility agents: recent animal data

Recent studies suggest that motivations for certain forms of masculine behavior including social aggression are mediated by central estrogen receptors. Two studies using antiestrogens in rodent species were performed. Intact male LH rats were given Tamoxifen or vehicle for 4 or 8 days. The three possible pairings were videotaped for 60 min. Intact male OF1 mice were given CI-680 or vehicle over 25 days. Similar pairings were carried out but some CI-680 or vehicle animals were paired with anosmic opponents. Encounters were videotaped for 10 min. In both experiments evidence was obtained that the antiestrogen markedly reduced time allocated to offense. Any variations in defense were a consequence of the level of attack to which animals were subjected. Neither compound greatly influenced the androgen-dependent sex accessory glands. Antiestrogens consequently have potential as antihostility agents in some forms of attack.