Sj. Almaliki et Mh. Alhamood, EFFECTS OF ALPHA-ADRENERGIC AND BETA-ADRENERGIC ANTAGONISTS ON AGGRESSIVE-BEHAVIOR IN MALE-MICE, Aggressive behavior, 19(5), 1993, pp. 361-367
The effects of a variety of alpha and beta adrenergic antagonists were
examined on the social encounters of isolated male mice with anosmic
male partners. A range of alpha antagonists, including phentolamine, p
razosin, and yohimbine, all suppressed social aggression. A range of b
eta antagonists, including propranolol, atenolol, metaprolol, and ICI
118,551, also reduced this type of attack. Ethological assessment of t
he lowest effective dose of these adrenergic antagonists revealed a ma
rked inhibitor action on offensive, social, and nonsocial behavior, wh
ile defensive responses and immobility were enhanced. It is concluded
that the noradrenergic system has a significant non-specific role in m
ediating intermale aggression via both alpha and beta adrenergic recep
tor subtypes. (C) 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.