Brief, Higb-Frequency Stimulation of the Corticomedial Amygdala Induces a Delayed and Prolonged Increase of Aggressiveness in Male Syrian Golden Hamsters.
Abstract
Brief 200 Hz stimulation of the corticomedial amygdala increases the aggressiveness of male Syrian golden hamsters for a period of about 30 min; the effect peaks 10-15 min after stimulation. This effect is sensitive to both current level and, unexpectedly, stimulation frequency. Stimulation at the same parameters that reduce attack latency increases flank marking but has no effect on general activity or on the latency to copulate with a female. Immunocytochemical analysis suggests that stimulation effects may be coupled to c-fos expression and that unilateral stimulation has bilateral effects. The aggression-facilitating effects of CMZ stimulation appear to mimic part of the time course of behaviorally induced attack priming. These findings suggest that the temporal persistence of aggression may result from LTP-like changes within neural circuitry of which the CMA is a part.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1996
- Accession Number
- ADA309528
Entities
People
- James L. Meyerhoff
- M. Decoster
- M. Hebert
- M. Potegal
Organizations
- Walter Reed Army Institute of Research