LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF SEPTAL LESIONS AND SOCIAL EXPERIENCE ON SHOCK-ELICITED FIGHTING IN RATS

Fighting behavior (threat and attack) between 128 pairs of rats was elicited by means of footshock. Lesions in the septal area tripled the occurrence of elicited attack but had no effect on threat responses. If septal rats were housed singly, increased attack persisted up to 45 days after operation in spite of repeated testing. Housing with a cage mate for 17 days eliminated increased fighting. Increased shock-elicited fighting following septal lesions was not related to the symptomatic expression of irritability or increased sensitivity to electric shock. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved). © 1968 American Psychological Association.