Brain Norepinephrine Metabolism and Shock-Induced Fighting Behavior in Rats: Differential Effects of Shock and Fighting on the Neurochemical Response to a Common Footshock Stimulus,
Abstract
Brain norepinephrine metabolism and catecholamine synthesis were measured in rats subjected to electric footshock in the presence or absence of another subject. Animals shocked in pairs engaged in fighting behavior, whereas animals receiving shock without another rat present could not fight. Marked differences in the metabolism of norepinephrine formed from intracisternally injected 3H-dopamine were found in the two groups receiving footshock. Within each experimental group, alterations in norepinephrine metabolism showed anatomic specificity, and temporal effects on metabolism in various brain regions were observed at various intervals following presentation of footshock. The observed changes in norepinephrine metabolism suggest that in rats receiving footshock without a partner, catecholamine turnover in the medulla-pons specifically increases during the shock period. In contrast, rats shocked in pairs, thereby eliciting fighting responses, show no alterations in regional norepinephrine metabolism during the period of shock. (Modified author abstract)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1973
- Accession Number
- AD0764072
Entities
People
- Jack D. Barchas
- Jon M. Stolk
- Robert L. Conner
- Seymour Levine
Organizations
- Stanford University