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)piperaz ine hydrochloride), and DOI (1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopro pane) on maternal aggressive behavior. Female Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups of 12 animals each. They received an intracerebroventri cular (i.c.v.) injection of: (1) saline, (2) 8-OH-DPAT (20 mu g/rat), (3) TFMPP (100 mu g/rat), and (4) DOI(100 mu g/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 agonis t (TFMPP), in the dose studied, showed no significant difference as co mpared 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 agg ression without affecting maternal care; however, this effect is of sh ort duration.