Play fighting between kindling-prone (FAST) and kindling-resistant (SLOW) rats.
Differences in the play behavior of 2 strains of rats suggest that different components of play fighting can be modified independently. The development of play fighting in cross-strain pairs of familiar and unfamiliar rats was examined to determine whether interacting with a non-congruent pair-mate would alter the pattern of play typical for each strain. In both strains, changes in play fighting were observed throughout development, but partner identity appeared to influence play fighting in different ways depending on age. These data suggest that some components of play may be more impervious to changes in social environment than other components.
Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB, Canada.
Christine J
CJ
Reinhart
Dan C
DC
McIntyre
Gerlinde A
GA
Metz
Sergio M
SM
Pellis
D000367:Age Factors; D000374:Aggression; D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal; D006185:Habituation, Psychophysiologic; D007696:Kindling, Neurologic; D008297:Male; D010988:Play and Playthings; D051381:Rats; D012919:Social Behavior; D012930:Social Dominance; D012931:Social Environment