The effects of azaperone, a sedative neuroleptic of the butyrophenone series, on dominant-subordinate behaviour in wistar rats competing for food.
The effects of azaperone, a sedative neuroleptic of the butyrophenone series with outstanding anti-aggressive and anti-shock activity on dominant-subordinate relationship in pairs of rats, competing for food, are described. Treating the dominant rat of a pair with azaperone, a dose related weakening (at 0.16 and 0.31 mg/kg) and reversal (at 0.63 mg/kg and above) of the initial strong dominant-subordinate relationship is demonstratedmat 5 mg/kg the dominant-subordinate reversal is complete until the end of the test session. Dominant-subordinate relationships are modified by azaperone at doses far below those inducing gross behavioural changes. The present results point at a normalizing effect of azaperone on social interaction through inhibition of aggressive responsiveness.
D000374:Aggression / Q000187:drug effects; D000818:Animals; D001066:Appetite / Q000187:drug effects; D001376:Azaperone / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000187:drug effects*; D002090:Butyrophenones / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003163:Competitive Behavior / Q000187:drug effects*; D004291:Dominance-Subordination; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000187:drug effects; D051381:Rats; D012930:Social Dominance
D002090:Butyrophenones; D001376:Azaperone