Arginine vasotocin and aggression in rats

Pinealectomized (PX) and sham animals were administered either AVT (1 ng/kg) or vehicle (1 ml H20). Boxing-kicking-biting episodes were significantly reduced by administration of AVT, F(1,21) = 8.09, p less than 0.009. Crawling under behavior was increased in PXH20 animals (p less than 0.05). Non-aggressive rearing was decreased by administration of AVT, F(1,21) = 4.75, p less than 0.04. These results are in agreement with previous findings that AVT lowers emotionality-arousal. Results are discussed in terms of vasotonergic effects on central monoamines.