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Abstract
Male mice that became aggressive following four weeks of social isolation were treated
with seven known serotonin receptor antagonists. All of the antiserotonergic drugs
selectively antagonized the fighting behavior of the isolated mice; the antiaggressive
activity was selective since, at antifighting doses, none of the drugs either significantly
altered spontaneous motor activity or impaired inclined-screen performance. Antagonism
of 5-HTP-induced head-twitch was used as an in vivo measure of antiserotonergic activity
and a statistically significant correlation existed between potency as an antiserotonergic
and potency as an antiaggressive. PCPA, a serotonin depletor, also significantly antagonized
isolation-induced aggression for at least 24 hr postdrug administration. The interrelationship
between cholinergic and serotonergic mechanisms in the mediation of isolation aggression
was investigated. The involvement of serotonergic systems in isolation-induced aggression
is discussed.