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Alterations in shock‐induced fighting and locomotor activity following intracerebroventricular injection of hydrocortisone in the rat
Author(s) -
Rodgers R. J.
Publication year - 1979
Publication title -
aggressive behavior
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.223
H-Index - 92
eISSN - 1098-2337
pISSN - 0096-140X
DOI - 10.1002/1098-2337(1979)5:1<31::aid-ab2480050105>3.0.co;2-q
Subject(s) - hydrocortisone , shock (circulatory) , locomotor activity , endocrinology , medicine , reactivity (psychology) , escape response , chemistry , anesthesia , pharmacology , psychology , neuroscience , pathology , alternative medicine
Three experiments were conducted in an attempt to clarify the facilitatory influence of hydrocortisone on shock‐induced fighting in rats. Results of the first experiment indicated a biphasic, dose‐dependent action of intraventricularly‐administered hydrocortisone. Low (25 μg) and intermediate (50 μg) doses both facilitated fighting whilst the high (100 μg) dose exerted a potent suppressant effect. Two control tests were performed to determine whether alterations in pain reactivity or locomotor activity could have accounted for the observed changes in fighting behaviour. None of the treatments altered shock thresholds (Experiment 2) but whilst neither low nor intermediate doses affected activity measures, the high dose preferentially reduced vertical activity (Experiment 3).