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Do alpha-2 adrenoceptors modify coping strategies in rats?
J Haller1, D T Kiem, G B Makara
1Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest.
Psychopharmacology
|December 1, 1995
Summary
Alpha 2 adrenoceptor blockers in intruder rats shifted their behavior from passive immobility to active defense. These drugs appear to activate rat behavior, influencing social interactions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Animal Behavior
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Alpha 2 adrenoceptor blockers alter resident rat aggression.
- The effects of these blockers on intruder rats remain less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the behavioral effects of alpha 2 adrenoceptor blockers on intruder rats.
- To determine if these blockers influence resident-intruder interactions.
Main Methods:
- Rats were administered CH-38083 or idazoxan (alpha 2 adrenoceptor blockers) at varying doses.
- Intruder rats were introduced to resident rats in controlled experiments.
- Behavioral responses, including social behaviors, exploration, and defensive behaviors, were recorded.
Main Results:
- Weight-matched intruders treated with blockers increased resident aggression.
- Blocker treatment in intruders led to a dose-dependent decrease in immobility and increase in defensive upright behaviors.
- A shift from passive (immobility) to active (defensive upright) coping styles was observed.
Conclusions:
- Alpha 2 adrenoceptor blockers induce a more active coping style in intruder rats.
- These findings suggest a general behavior-activating effect of alpha 2 adrenoceptor blockers in rats, distinct from yohimbine.