Fast Positive Feedback Between the Adrenocortical Stress Response and a Brain Mechanism Involved in Aggressive Behavior.

Kruk, Menno R.; Halász, József; Meelis, W.; Haller, József

doi:10.1037/0735-7044.118.5.1062

Cited by 191 publications

(99 citation statements)

References 77 publications

(153 reference statements)

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“…Alternatively, a causal relationship might exist between tameness and adrenal gland size. For example, sudden increases of plasma corticosterone, which is produced by the adrenal cortex, promote aggressive behavior in rats (Kruk et al 2004), while chronically high levels of glucocorticoids seem to inhibit aggressive behavior in several vertebrate species (Summers et al 2005). However, postmortem corticosterone levels did not map to any locus linked to tameness or aggression.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Genetic Architecture of Tameness in a Rat Model of Animal Domestication

et al. 2009

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A common feature of domestic animals is tameness-i.e., they tolerate and are unafraid of human presence and handling. To gain insight into the genetic basis of tameness and aggression, we studied an intercross between two lines of rats (Rattus norvegicus) selected over .60 generations for increased tameness and increased aggression against humans, respectively. We measured 45 traits, including tameness and aggression, anxiety-related traits, organ weights, and levels of serum components in .700 rats from an intercross population. Using 201 genetic markers, we identified two significant quantitative trait loci (QTL) for tameness. These loci overlap with QTL for adrenal gland weight and for anxiety-related traits and are part of a five-locus epistatic network influencing tameness. An additional QTL influences the occurrence of white coat spots, but shows no significant effect on tameness. The loci described here are important starting points for finding the genes that cause tameness in these rats and potentially in domestic animals in general.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Genetic Architecture of Tameness in a Rat Model of Animal Domestication

et al. 2009

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“…However, how stress mechanisms and the mechanisms involved in aggression interact on a neurobiological level has only recently received attention. Kruk, Halasz, Meelis, and Haller (2004) demonstrated a fast positive feedback loop between the adrenocortical stress response and the brain area that controls aggression, that is, the hypothalamus. Specifically, stimulation of the aggressive area in the hypothalamus rapidly activated the HPA axis, even in the absence of an opponent or in the context of physical fighting.…”

Section: Stress-induced and Pathological Aggression: Animal Researchmentioning

confidence: 99%

The evidence for a neurobiological model of childhood antisocial behavior.

Goozen¹,

Fairchild²,

Snoek³

et al. 2007

Psychological Bulletin

414

393

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Children with persistent antisocial and aggressive behavior are diagnosed as having disruptive behavior disorder. The authors review evidence that antisocial children, and especially those who persist with this behavior as they grow older, have a range of neurobiological characteristics. It is argued that serotonergic functioning and stress-regulating mechanisms are important in explaining individual differences in antisocial behavior. Moreover, low fear of punishment and physiological underactivity may predispose antisocial individuals to seek out stimulation or take risks and may help to explain poor conditioning and socialization. The authors propose a theoretical model highlighting the interplay between neurobiological deficits and cognitive and emotional functioning as mediators of the link between early adversity and antisocial behavior problems in childhood. Implications for intervention programs are discussed.

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“…Such an unexpected pharmacological profile for rapid corticosteroid effects has also been observed in tissues other than the brain (Lösel and Wehling, 2008). A second example of rapid behavioral modulation by corticosterone concerns a mutual rapid positive feedback between HPA axis activation and the brain mechanism controlling aggression: hypothalamic aggression was reported to be rapidly enhanced by corticosterone in adrenalectomized rats, whereas stimulation of the hypothalamus rapidly activated the adrenocortical response, even in the absence of an opponent (Kruk et al, 2004).…”

Section: F Nongenomic Pathwaysmentioning

confidence: 99%