study of the pharmacotherapeutic amelioration of the victims of aggression in mice

ABSTRACT

The sensory contact model [SCM] allows production of alternative types of social behavior [aggressive or submissive] in male mice. The aim of the present work was to validate the ability of the SCM by comparing the resulting groups of animals using a behaviorally relevant test [open field test] and to assess the effect of caffeine on the behavior of the defeated subjects. Caffeine [10 mg/Kg i.p] was given to the defeated mice daily for 15 consecutive days, just after the social conflict session. Animals were then introduced to the open field test [OFT]. In addition, total weight gain was also evaluated. Results showed a significant decrease in the body weight of the defeated mice that was partially compensated in mice received caffeine. In the OFT, defeated mice showed significant decrease in the ambulation, rearing, defecation and time spent in the centre of the arena. Such decrease was partially compensated by administration of caffeine while aggressive animals demonstrated a distinctive behavioral pattern. The obtained results demonstrated the ability of the SCM to obtain subjects with different behavioral patterns and also the partial potential of caffeine to diminish the negative effects of social defeat on animals' behavior