Development of apomorphine-induced aggressive behavior: comparison of adult male and female Wistar rats
Pruus, K.; Rudissaar, R.; Skrebuhhova-Malmros, T.; Allikmets, L.; Matto, V.
Methods and Findings in Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology 22(1): 47-50
2000
ISSN/ISBN: 0379-0355 PMID: 10791295 Document Number: 512864
The development of apomorphine-induced (1.0 mg/kg s.c. once daily) aggressive behavior of adult male and female Wistar rats obtained from the same breeder was studied in two consecutive sets. In male animals, repeated apomorphine treatment induced a gradual development of aggressive behavior as evidenced by the increased intensity of aggressiveness and shortened latency before the first attack toward the opponent. In female rats, only a weak tendency toward aggressiveness was found. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates gender differences in the development of the apomorphine-induced aggressive behavior and indicates that the female rats do not fill the validation criteria for use in this method.