Expression of serotonin transporter gene and startle response in rats with genetically determined fear-induced aggression.
The study was carried out on Norway rats selected through more than 60 generations for high and low fear-induced aggressiveness towards humans (Institute of Cytology and Genetics). The intensity of aggressive behavior towards man, reflex startle response, and expression of serotonin transporter (5-HTT) gene were studied. Selection for high aggression was associated with more intense startle response. The expression of 5-HTT gene in the frontal cortex was reduced significantly in rats selected for high aggression to humans in comparison with nonaggressive rats. The authors conclude that 5-HTT is involved in the regulation of genetically determined fear-induced aggression.
Naumenko
V S
VS
Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Division of Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia. naumenko2002@mail.ru
Kozhemjakina
R V
RV
Plyusnina
I Z
IZ
Popova
N K
NK
D000374:Aggression; D000818:Animals; D005239:Fear; D051381:Rats; D013216:Reflex, Startle / Q000235:genetics*; D050486:Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins / Q000235:genetics*
D050486:Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins