Effects of intracerebroventricular administration of 5-HT receptor agonists on the maternal aggression of rats.
This study attempted to analyze the effects of 8-OH-DPAT (8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin), TFMPP (1-(3-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)piperazine hydrochloride), and DOI (1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane) on maternal aggressive behavior. Female Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups of 12 animals each. They received an intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of: (1) saline, (2) 8-OH-DPAT (20 micrograms/rat), (3) TFMPP (100 micrograms/rat), and (4) DOI (100 micrograms/rat). 5-HT1A (8-OH-DPAT) and 5-HT2 (DOI) receptor agonists decreased the frequency of attack 15 but not 55 min after i.c.v. injection. The 5-HT1B/D receptor agonist (TFMPP), in the dose studied, showed no significant difference as compared to saline. Pup care and non-aggressive social interaction with the intruder were not affected by any drug. These data suggest that 5-HT1A and 5-HT2 receptor agonists can specifically inhibit maternal aggression without affecting maternal care; however, this effect is of short duration.
De Almeida
R M
RM
Department of Physiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
Lucion
A B
AB
D017371:8-Hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology; D000374:Aggression / Q000187:drug effects*; D000662:Amphetamines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D007276:Injections, Intraventricular; D008425:Maternal Behavior / Q000187:drug effects*; D010879:Piperazines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D017366:Serotonin Receptor Agonists / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*
D000662:Amphetamines; D010879:Piperazines; D017366:Serotonin Receptor Agonists; C018406:1-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)piperazine; D017371:8-Hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin; C015952:4-iodo-2,5-dimethoxyphenylisopropylamine