Propranolol-induced increases in target-biting attack.
The effect of a beta-adrenoreceptor blocking agent on defensive aggression in mice was evaluated. Acute doses of d,l-propranolol (0.2, 0.4, 0.8, 1.6, 3.2, 6.4, and 12.8 mg/kg) were administered to male Rockland-Swiss mice prior to testing in a target-biting paradigm. Baseline conditions established a high target-biting rate low biting rate during a 15-s tone stimulus preceding the next shock. Every dose of propranolol increased target-biting rates above baseline during each interval with one exception: 0.4 mg/kg decreased the biting rate immediately after delivery of the tail shock. The overall increase in aggression observed following dosing with propranolol was not expected from a review of the clinical literature. These results are discussed in reference to propranolol's known effects on the brain serotoninergic systems and the use of an animal model of defensive aggression.
Matray-Devoti
J
J
Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, State University, New Brunswick, NJ 08903.
Wagner
G C
GC
D000374:Aggression / Q000187:drug effects*; D000818:Animals; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D011433:Propranolol / Q000494:pharmacology*; D012701:Serotonin / Q000502:physiology; D013268:Stimulation, Chemical
D012701:Serotonin; D011433:Propranolol