Prednisolone blocks extreme intermale social aggression in seizure-induced, brain-damaged rats: implications for the amygdaloid central nucleus, corticotrophin-releasing factor, and electrical seizures.

ABSTRACT

In two separate blocks of experiments, the extreme within-group aggression which is typically associated with limbic seizure-induced brain injury in male rats was attenuated or abolished within two days by the administration of prednisolone in the water supply. The effect was specific to the aggression and was not simulated by dexamethasone. The results support the hypothesis that interference with inhibitory inputs to the central nucleus of the amygdala and the enhanced stimulation by corticotrophin-releasing factor facilitates physical aggression within groups of male rats. Potential relevance to curbing aggression ("conflict") between groups of male humans is discussed.