An Animal Model to Predict Aggressive Behavior Produced by the Withdrawal from or Abuse of Drugs.

摘要

The research conducted under this contract indicated that the hamster is a useful animal to study withdrawal from opiates and the agonistic behavior that ensues. This behavior may not be taxonomically related to more natural forms of aggression, but seems to be closely related to aversive internal stimulation produced by withdrawal. The social context within which aggression is expressed is most important and morphine withdrawal while not directly affecting agonistic behavior may indirectly do so by producing changes in the social structure. Dopaminergic mechanisms may mediate this agonistic behavior by increasing activity. (Author)