Effects of Phencyclidine on Isolation-Induced Aggression in Mice

Abstract

Mice, isolated 6 to 8 wk. to induce aggression, were injected with either saline, 1.0, or 3.0 mg/kg phencyclidine (PCP) i.p. After 30 min., an untreated, group-housed mouse (intruder) was introduced into the home cage of each isolated mouse (resident) for a 3-min. period. The frequency of resident mouse attack bites, tail rattles, nasal contacts, locomotions, and rearings was recorded by time sampling. The 1.0 mg/kg PCP dose increased the attack bites and decreased nasal contacts while the high dose produced no change in these behaviors. Locomotions were increased at both doses of PCP. This drug's effects on agonistic and related behaviors are similar to the reported bi-phasic effects of d-amphetamine on aggression.