Induction of social dominance by L-dopa treatment in Arctic charr.
The effect of L-dopa on social dominance was studied in the juvenile Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus). L-dopa is the immediate precursor of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that has been connected with aggressive behaviour in fish as well as mammals. Arctic charr were placed in pairs. One individual in each pair was given L-dopa orally, while the other was given vehicle. The results showed that 18 out of 22 fish given 10 mg L-dopa kg-1 became dominant (p = 0.004, binomial test). A higher dose of L-dopa (200 mg kg-1) induced dyskinesia. L-dopa was found to cause a dose-dependent increase in the brain levels of dopamine and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC, a major dopamine metabolite), as well as an increase in the DOPAC/dopamine ratio (an index of dopaminergic activity).
Winberg
S
S
Department of Zoophysiology, Uppsala University, Sweden.
Nilsson
G E
GE
D000374:Aggression; D000818:Animals; D015306:Biogenic Monoamines / Q000378:metabolism; D001921:Brain / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D002395:Catecholamines / Q000378:metabolism; D004298:Dopamine / Q000378:metabolism*; D007980:Levodopa / Q000494:pharmacology*; D012930:Social Dominance; D014337:Trout; D015430:Weight Gain / Q000187:drug effects
D015306:Biogenic Monoamines; D002395:Catecholamines; D007980:Levodopa; D004298:Dopamine