Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Pheromonal Influences on Rodent Agonistic Behavior

  • Chapter
Chemical Signals in Vertebrates

Abstract

The effects of odors on rodent agonistic behavior were unnoticed for many years. Attention was focused instead on examining the role of hormones in the regulation of attack and defensive responses. The impetus for study of the area was provided by Beeman’s (1947) discovery that androgen injections restored intraspecific sparring in castrated male rodents. Subsequent investigations demonstrated that female rodents exhibited fighting when treated with testosterone (Edwards, 1968) and males fought less when treated with estrogen or progesterone (Suchowski, Pegrassi, & Bonsignori, 1969; Erpino & Chappelle, 1971). These changes in agonistic behavior were thought to be mediated by an interaction between the hormones and a neural substrate for aggression (Edwards, 1969; Leshner, 1975).

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
eBook
USD 16.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

References

  • Adams, D.B. 1976. Relation of scent-marking, olfactory investigation, and specific postures in isolation-induced fighting of rats. Behaviour 56: 286–298.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Alberts, J.R., and Friedman, M.I. 1972. Olfactory bulb removal but not anosmia increases emotionality and mouse killing. Nature 238: 454–455.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Alberts, J.R., and Galef, B.G., Jr. 1971. Acute anosmia in the rat: A behavioral test of a peripherally-induced olfactory deficit. Physiol. Behay. 6:619–621.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Alberts, J.R., and Galef, B.G. 1973. Olfactory cues and movement: Stimuli mediating intraspecific aggression in the wild Norway rat. J. Comp. Physiol. Psychol. 85:233–242.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Archer, J. 1968. The effect of strange male odor on aggressive behavior in male mice. J. Mammal. 49:572–575.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bandler, R.J., Jr., and Chi, C.C. 1972. Effects of olfactory bulb removal on aggression: A reevaluation. Physiol. Behay. 8: 207–211.

    Google Scholar 

  • Barfield, R.J., Busch, D.E., and Wallen, K. 1972. Gonadal influen- ces on agonistic behavior in the male domestic rat. Horm. Behay. 3:247–259.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Barnett, S.A. 1963. The rat: A study in behaviour. Aldine, Chicago.

    Google Scholar 

  • Beeman, E.A. 1947. The effect of male hormone on aggressive behavior in mice. Physiol. Zool. 20:373–405.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Borer, K.T., Powers, J.B., Winans, S.S., and Valenstein, E.S. 1974. Influence of olfactory bulb removal on ingestive behaviors, activity levels, and self-stimulation in hamsters. J. Comp. Physiol. Psychol. 86:396–406.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bronson, F.A. 1974. Pheromonal influences on reproductive activities in rodents. Pages 344–365 in M.C. Birch (ed.), Pheromones. North-Holland, Amsterdam.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bronson, F.H., and Marsden, H.M. 1973. The preputial gland as an indicator of social dominance in male mice. Behay. Biol. 9: 625–628.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Burge, K.G. and Edwards, D.A. 1976. Olfactory bulb removal results in elevated spontaneous locomotor activity in mice. Physiol. Behay. 16:83–89.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Cain, D.P. 1974a. The role of the olfactory bulb in limbic mechanisms. Psychol. Bull. 81:654–671.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Cain, D.P. 1974b. Olfactory bulbectomy: Neural structures involved in irritability and aggression in the male rat. J. Comp. Physiol. Pyschol. 86:213–220.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Cain, D.P., and Paxinos, G. 1974. Olfactory bulbectomy and mucusal damage: Effects on copulation, irritability, and interspecific aggression in male rats. J. Comp. Physiol. Psychol. 86:202–212.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Carr, W.J., Martorano, R.D., and Krames, L. 1970. Responses of mice to odors associated with stress. J. Comp. Physiol. Psychol. 71:223–228.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Carr, W.J., Roth, P., and Amore, M. 1971. Responses of male mice to odors from stress vs. nonstressed males and females. Psychon. Sci. 25:275–276.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chanel, J. and Vernet-Maury, E. 1963. Détermination par un test olfactif des interattractions chez la souris. J. Physiol. (Paris) 55:121–122.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Cheal, M.L., and Sprott, R.L. 1971. Social olfaction: A review of the role of olfaction in a variety of animal behaviors. Psychol. Rep. 29:195–243.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Connor, J. 1972. Olfactory control of aggressive and sexual behavior in the mouse. Psychon. Sci. 27:1–3.

    Google Scholar 

  • Davies, V.J. and Bellamy, D. 1974. Effects of female urine on social investigation in male mice. Anim. Behay. 22:239–241.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Davis, F.C. 1933. The measurement of aggressive behavior in laboratory rats. J. Genet. Psychol. 43:213–217.

    Google Scholar 

  • deOlmos, J., and Ingram, W.R. 1972. The projection field of the stria terminalis in the rat brain. An experimental study. J. Comp. Neurol. 146:303–334.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Devor, M., and Murphy, M.R. 1973. The effect of peripheral olfactory blockade on the social behavior of the male golden hamster. Behay. Biol. 9:31–42.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Dieterlen, F. 1959. Das Verhalten des Syrischen Goldhamsters Z. Tierpsychol. 16:47–103.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dixon, A.K., and Mackintosh, J.H. 1971. Effects of female urine upon the social behaviour of adult male mice. Anim. Behay. 19:138–140.

    Google Scholar 

  • Doty, R.L. 1973. Reactions of deer mice (Peromyscus mapiculatus) and white-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus) to homospecific and heterospecific urine odors. J. Comp. Physiol. Psychol. 84:296–303.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Douglas, R.J., Isaacson, R.L., and Moss, C.L. 1969. Olfactory lesions, emotionality and activity. Physiol. Behay. 4:379–381.

    Google Scholar 

  • Edwards, D.A. 1968. Fighting by neonatally androgenized females. Science 161: 1027–1028.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Edwards, D.A. 1969. Early androgen stimulation and aggressive behavior in male and female mice. Physiol. Behay. 4:333–338.

    Google Scholar 

  • Edwards, D.A. 1974. Non-sensory involvement of the olfactory bulbs in the mediation of social behaviors. Behay. Biol. 11:287–302.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Edwards, D.A., Thompson, M.L., and Burge, K.G. 1972. Olfactory bulb removal vs. peripherally induced anosmia: Differential effects on the aggressive behavior of male mice. Behay. Biol. 7:823–828.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Erpino, M. J., and Chappelle, T.C. 1971. Interactions between androgens and progesterone in mediation of aggression in the mouse. Horm. Behay. 2:265–272.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Grant, E.C. and Chance, M.R.A. 1958. Rank order in caged rats. Anim. Behay. 6:183–194.

    Google Scholar 

  • Haag, C., Jerhoff, B., and Kirkpatrick, J.F. 1974. Ovarian hormones and their role in aggression inhibition among male mice. Physiol. Behay. 13:175–177.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Harmatz, P., Boelkins, R.C., and Kessler, S. 1975. Postisolation aggression and olfactory cues. Behay. Biol. 13:219–224.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hucklebridge, F.H., Nowell, N.W., and Wouters, A. 1972. A relationship between social experience and preputial gland function in the albino mouse. J. Endocr. 55:449–450.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Johnston, R.E. 1975. Sexual excitation function of hamster vaginal secretion. Anim. Learn. Behay. 3:161–166.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jones, R.B., and Nowell, N.W. 1973a. The effect of familiar visual and olfactory cues on the aggressive behavior of mice. Physiol. Behay. 10:221–223.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jones, R.B., and Nowell, N.W. 1973b. The effect of urine on the investigatory behaviour of male albino mice. Physiol. Behay. 11:35–38.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jones, R.B., and Nowell, N.W. 1973c. Aversive effects of the urine of a male mouse upon the investigatory behaviour of its defeated opponent. Anim. Behay. 21:707–710.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jones, R.B., and Nowell, N.W. 1973d. Aversive and aggression-promoting properties of urine from dominant and subordinate male mice. Anim. Learn. Behay. 1:207–210.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jones, R.B., and Nowell, N.W. 1973e. Effects of preputial and coagulating gland secretions upon aggressive behaviour in male mice: A confirmation. J. Endocr. 59:203–204.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jones, R.B., and Nowell, N.W. 1973f. The coagulating glands as a source of aversive and aggression-inhibiting pheromone(s) in the male albino mouse. Physiol. Behay. 11:455–462.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jones, R.B., and Nowell, N.W. 1974a. A comparison of the aversive and female attractant properties of urine from dominant and subordinate male mice. Anim. Learn. Behay. 2:141–144.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jones, R.B. and Nowell, N.W. 1974b. The urinary aversive pheromone of mice: Species, strain and grouping effects. Anim. Behay. 22:187–191.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jones, R.B. and Nowell, N.W. 1975. Effects of clean and soiled sawdust substrates and of different urine types upon aggressive behavior in male mice. Aggress. Behay. 1:111–121.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kahn, M.W. 1954. Infantile experience and mature aggressive behavior of mice; some maternal influences. J. Genet. Psychol. 84:65–76.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Karlson, P. and Lüscher, M. 1959. “Pheromones”: A new term for a class of biologically active substances. Nature 183: 55–56.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kimelman, B.R., and Lubow, R.E. 1974. The inhibitory effect of preexposed olfactory cues on intermale aggression in mice. Physiol. Behay. 12:919–922.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Krames, L., Carr, W.J., and Bergman, B. 1969. A pheromone associated with social dominance among male rats. Psychon. Sci. 16:11–12.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lee, C.T., and Brake, S.C. 1971. Reactions of male fighters to male and female mice, untreated or deodorized. Psychon. Sci. 24:209–211.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lee, C.T., and Brake, S.C. 1972. Reaction of male mouse fighters to male castrates treated with testosterone proprionate or oil. Psychon. Sci. 27:287–288.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lee, C.T., and Griffo, W. 1973. Early androgenization and aggression pheromone in inbred mice. Horm. Behay. 4:181–189.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lee, C.T., and Griffo, W. 1974. Progesterone antagonism of androgen-dependent aggression-promoting pheromone in inbred mice. J. Comp. Physiol. Psychol. 87:150–155.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lerwill, C.J. and Makings, P. 1971. The agonistic behaviour of the golden hamster Mesocricetus auratus (Waterhouse). Anim. Behay. 19:714–721.

    Google Scholar 

  • Leshner, A.I. 1975. A model of hormones and agonistic behavior. Physiol. Behay. 15:225–235.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mackintosh, J.H. 1970. Territory formation by laboratory mice. Anim. Behay. 18:177–183.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mackintosh, J.H. and Grant, E.C. 1966. The effect of olfactory stimuli on the agonistic behaviour of laboratory mice. Z. Tierpsychol. 23:584–587.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Matulionis, D.H. 1976. Light and electron microscopic study of the degreration and early regreration of olfactory epithelium in the mouse. Am. J. Anat. 145:79–100.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • McCotter, R.E. 1912. The connection of the vomeronasal nerves with the accessory olfactory bulb in the opposum and other mammals. Anat. Rec. 6:299–318.

    Google Scholar 

  • McKinney, T.D., and Christian, J.J. 1970. Effects of preputialectomy on fighting behavior in mice. Biol. Med. 134:291–293.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Moyer, K.E. 1968. Kinds of aggression and their physiological basis. Commun. Behay. Biol. 2:65–87.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mugford, R.A. 1973. Intermale fighting affected by home-cage odors of male and female mice. J. Comp. Physiol. Psychol. 84:289–295.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mugford, R.A. 1974. Androgenic stimulation of aggression-eliciting cues in adult opponent mice castrated at birth, weaning or maturity. Horm. Behay. 5:93–102.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mugford, R.A. and Nowell, N.W. 1970a. Pheromones and their effect on aggression in mice. Nature 226: 967–968.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mugford, R.A. and Nowell, N.W. 1970b. The aggression of male mice against androgenized females. Psychon. Sci. 20:191–192.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mugford, R.A., and Nowell, N.W. 1971a. The relationship between endocrine status of female opponents and aggressive behavior of adult mice. Anim. Behay. 19:153–155.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mugford, R.A., and Nowell, N.W. 1971b. Endocrine control over production and activity of the anti-aggression pheromone from female mice. J. Endocr. 49:225–232.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mugford, R.A., and Nowell, N.W. 1971c. The preputial glands as a source of aggression-promoting odors in mice. Physiol. Behay. 6:247–249.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mugford, R.A. and Nowell, N.W. 1972. The close-response to testosterone proprionate of preputial glands, pheromones and aggression in mice. Horm. Beh. 3:39–46.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Müller-Velten, H. 1966. Über den Angstgeruch bei der Hausmaus (Mus musculus) L. .Z. Vergleich. Physiol. 52:401–429.

    Google Scholar 

  • Murphy, M.R. 1973. Effects of female hamster vaginal discharge on the behavior of male hamsters. Behay. Biol. 9:367–375.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Murphy, M.R., and Schneider, G.E. 1970. Olfactory bulb removal eliminates mating behavior in the male golden hamster. Science 167: 302–304.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Payne, A.P. 1974a. The aggressive response of the male golden hamster towards males and females of differing hormonal status. Anim. Behay. 22:829–835.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Payne, A.P. 1974b. The effects of urine on aggressive responses by male golden hamsters. Aggress. Behay. 1:71–79.

    Google Scholar 

  • Payne, A.P. and Swanson, H.H. 1970. Agonistic behavior between pairs of hamsters of the same and opposite sex in a neutral observation area. Behaviour 36: 259–269.

    Google Scholar 

  • Payne, A.P. and Swanson, H.H. 1971. Hormonal control of aggressive dominance in the female hamster. Physiol. Behay. 6:355–357

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Payne, A.P. and Swanson, H.H. 1972. The effect of sex hormones on the agonistic behavior of the male golden hamster. Physiol. Behay. 8:687–691.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Pfaff, D.W., and Pfaffman, C. 1969. Olfactory and hormonal influences on the basal forebrain of the male rat. Brain Res. 15:137–156.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Phoenix, C.H., Goy, R.W., and Resko, J.A. 1968. Psychosexual differentiation as a function of androgenic stimulation. Pages 33–49 in M. Diamond (ed.), Perspectives in reproduction and sexual behavior. Indiana Univ., Bloomington.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pietras, R.J., and Moulton, D.G. 1974. Hormonal influences on odor detection in rats: Changes associated with the estrous cycle, pseudopregnancy, ovariectomy, and administration of testosterone proprionate. Physiol. Behay. 12:475–491.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Powers, J.B. and Winans, S.S. 1973. Sexual behavior in peripherally anosmic male hamsters. Physiol. Behay. 10:361–368.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Powers, J.B. and Winans, S.S. 1975. Vomeronasal organ: Critical role in mediating sexual bahavior of the male hamster. Science 187: 961–963.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Richards, D.B. and Stevens, D.A. 1974. Evidence for marking with urine in rats. Behay. Biol. 12:517–523.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ropartz, P. 1966. Mise en évidence d’une odeur de groupe chez les souris par la mesure de l’activité locomotrice. C. R. Acad. Sci. 262 (D):507–510.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ropartz, P. 1967. Mise en évidence du rôle de l’olfaction dans l’agressivité de la souris. Rev. Comp. Anim. 2:97–102.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ropartz, P. 1968a. Le rôle de l’olfaction dans le comportement social des souris males. Rev. Comp. Anim. 2:1–39.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ropartz, P. 1968b. The relation between olfactory stimulation and aggressive behavior in mice. Anim. Behay. 16:97–100.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ropartz, P. 1975. Pheromones and aggressive behaviour in female mice. Paper presented at the 7th Annual Meeting of the European Brain and Behaviour Society, Munich.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ropartz, P. and Haug, M. 1975. Olfaction and aggressive behaviour in female mice. Pages 411–412 in D. A. Denton and J. P. Coughlan (eds.), Olfaction and taste, Vol. V. Academic Press, New York.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schultz, E.F., and Tapp, J.T. 1973. Olfactory control of behavior in rodents. Psychol. Bull. 79:21–44.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Scott, J.P., and Fredericson, E. 1951. The causes of fighting in mice and rats. Physiol. Zool. 24:273–309.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sieck, M.H. and Baumbach, H.P. 1974. Differential effects of peripheral and central anosmia producing techniques on spontaneous behavior patterns. Physiol. Behay. 13:407–425.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Singer, A.G., Agosta, W.O. O’Connell, R.J., Pfaffman, C., Bowen, D.V., and Field, F.H. 1976. Dimethyl disulfide: An attractant pheromone in hamster vaginal secretion. Science 191: 948–950.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Stark, B., and Hazlett, B.A. 1972. Effects of olfactory experience on aggression in Mus musculus and Peromyscus maniculatus. Behay. Biol. 7:265–269.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Stevens, D.A. and Gerzog-Thomas, D.A. 1977. Fright reactions in rats to conspecific tissue. Physiol. Behay. (in press).

    Google Scholar 

  • Stevens, D.A. and Köster, E.P. 1972. Open-field responses of rats to odors from stressed and nonstressed predecessors. Behay. Biol. 7:519–522.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Suchowsky, G.K., Pegrassi, L., and Bonsignori, A. 1969. The effect of steroids on aggressive behavior in isolated male mice. In: S. Garattini and E.B. Sigg (eds.),“Aggressive Behavior.” Excerpta Medica Monog., Amsterdam.

    Google Scholar 

  • Svare, B., and Gandelman, R. 1975. Aggressive behavior of juvenile mice: Influence of androgen and olfactory stimuli. Develpm. Psychobiol. 8:405–415.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Thiessen, D. and Rice, M. 1976. Mammalian scent gland marking and social behavior. Psychol. Bull. 83:505–539.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Thor, D.H., Carty, R.W., and Flannelly, K.J. 1976. Prolonged peripheral anosmia in the rat by multiple intranasal applications of zinc sulphate solution. Bull. Psychon. Soc. 7:41–43.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Tollman, J., and King, J.A. 1956. The effects of testosterone pro- prionate on aggression in male and female C57 BL /10 mice. Anim. Behay. 4:147–149.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tucker, D. 1963. Olfactory, vomeronasal and trigeminal receptor responses to odorants. Pages 45–69 in Y. Zotterman (ed.), Olfaction and taste. MacMillan, New York.

    Google Scholar 

  • Turner, B.H. 1970. Neural structures involved in the rage syndrome in the rat. J. Comp. Physiol. Psychol. 71:103–113.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Uhrich, J. 1938. Social hierarchy in albino mice. J. Comp. Psychol. 25:373–413.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vandenbergh, J.G. 1971. The effects of gonadal hormones on the aggressive behavior of adult golden hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus). Anim. Behay. 19:589–594.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • White, M., Mayo, S., and Edwards, D.A. 1969. Fighting in female mice as a function of the size of the opponent. Psychon. Sci. 16:14–15.

    Google Scholar 

  • Whittier, J.L., and McReynolds, P. 1965. Persisting odours as a biasing factor in open-field research with mice. Canad. J. Psychol. 19:224–230.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wilson, E.O., and Bossert, W.H. 1963. Chemical communication among animals. Pages 673–710 in G. Pincus (ed.), Recent progress in hormone research, Vol. 19. Academic Press, New York.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Clark University, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01610, USA

    Barry Fass & David A. Stevens

Authors
  1. Barry Fass
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. David A. Stevens
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. College of Environmental Science and Forestry, State University of New York, Syracuse, New York, USA

    Dietland Müller-Schwarze

  2. Upstate Medical Center, State University of New York, Syracuse, New York, USA

    Maxwell M. Mozell

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 1977 Plenum Press, New York

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Fass, B., Stevens, D.A. (1977). Pheromonal Influences on Rodent Agonistic Behavior. In: Müller-Schwarze, D., Mozell, M.M. (eds) Chemical Signals in Vertebrates. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4684-2364-8_11

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4684-2364-8_11

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4684-2366-2

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4684-2364-8

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation