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Some studies on the influence of chlordiazepoxide on the social interaction of golden hamsters ( Mesocricetus auratus )
Author(s) -
POOLE T. B.
Publication year - 1973
Publication title -
british journal of pharmacology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.432
H-Index - 211
eISSN - 1476-5381
pISSN - 0007-1188
DOI - 10.1111/j.1476-5381.1973.tb08360.x
Subject(s) - chlordiazepoxide , aggression , mesocricetus , golden hamster , psychology , hamster , physiology , social psychology , endocrinology , biology , psychiatry , diazepam
Summary1 The effects of a ‘minor’ tranquillizer (chlordiazepoxide) on the social behaviour of male golden hamsters were investigated. 2 Thirty‐six hamsters were divided into pairs. Each pair was placed in an arena measuring 1 m 2 ; under these conditions the hamsters fought, but once a winner and loser emerged the relationship between the two animals became stabilized. The influence of 50 mg/kg chlordiazepoxide on this stable relationship was investigated and compared with normal behaviour in the arena. 3 Under the influence of chlordiazepoxide, hamsters showed a significant reduction in ‘aggression’, ‘defensive fighting’ and an increase in ‘investigation’. 4 When the data for winners and losers were analysed independently, the drug was seen to influence losers more than winners. 5 It is postulated that the primary influence of chlordiazepoxide is to reduce fear and as a result ‘investigation’ is probably affected indirectly as a behaviour pattern suppressed in an individual showing fear of its opponent.