TY  - JOUR
PY  - 1996//
TI  - The effect of alpha 2 adrenoceptor blockers on aggressive behavior in mice: implications for the actions of adrenoceptor agents
JO  - Psychopharmacology
A1  - Haller, József
A1  - Makara, G. B.
A1  - Kovács, J. L.
SP  - 345
EP  - 350
VL  - 126
IS  - 4
N2  - The effects of three alpha 2 adrenoceptor blockers (idazoxan, yohimbine and CH-38083) on isolation-induced aggressive behavior was studied in male mice. The three drugs produced different behavioral profiles. Idazoxan reduced aggressiveness dose-dependently by decreasing the duration of offensive/aggressive interactions and increasing the duration of defensive behaviors. The other two drugs produced only parts of the dual action of idazoxan: yohimbine affected mainly defensive behaviors, while CH-38083 affected only the time spent with fighting. Saline injections per se also influenced behavior and, in contrast to alpha 2 adrenoceptor blockers, induced an increase in aggressiveness. These results are different from those previously obtained in rats, which show bell-shaped dose-response curves in response to alpha 2 adrenoceptor blockers (small doses increased, while large doses decreased aggression). It is postulated that the strong behavioral reaction of mice to the injection per se may mask the aggression-heightening effects of small doses of alpha 2 adrenoceptor blockers in this species. A theory is also presented regarding the complexity of adrenoceptor interactions when both pre-, and postsynaptic alpha 2 adrenoceptors are blocked.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>
LA  - en
SN  - 0033-3158
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/
ID  - ref1
ER  -