Isolation-induced fighting in mice and regional brain monoamine utilization

The utilization of norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin was measured in ten brain regions of isolated fighting mice and resting control animals. Fighting produced a markedly significant change in the utilization of dopamine (P greater than 0.006), but not in norepinephrine or serotonin. However, important trends were identified in the latter systems which warrant further testing. This study highlights the importance of dopaminergic participation in fighting behavior.