No abstract

Enhanced immune response of aggressive CBA mice after 10 daily confrontations in sensory contact on day 4 after immunization with sheep red blood cells (5x108) is paralleled by an increase in the count of CD4 § T-cells in the bone marrow. Aggressive behavior, weight of the spleen, and count of CD4 § T-helpers in the bone marrow (which is increased only in aggressors with a history of at least 3 victories) are correlated. The effect of aggressive behavior on immunity can be caused by changes of the neurochemical status of the brain and determined by an increase in the CD4 § T-helper count.

In aggressive C57B1/6 mice, the immune response is shown to be enhanced after 20 confrontations with submissive mice. In submissive mice, the response is inhibited after 10-20 confrontations with aggressive partners. It is concluded that stimulation and inhibition of the immune response are associated with the formation of a neurochemical set which is dopaminergic in aggressive mice and serotoninergic in submissive ones.