Skip to main content

Genetics, Hormones, and Aggression

  • Chapter
Hormones and Aggressive Behavior

Abstract

It has been proposed (Brain, 1979a,b; Moyer, 1968, 1976) that there are several types of aggression that differ in response patterns, stimulus conditions, and physiological mechanisms. Genetic (Lagerspetz & Lagerspetz, 1975; Maxson, 1981; Scott, 1966; Scott & Fredericson, 1951; Simon, 1979) and hormonal (see reviews in this volume) influences on most if not all of these types of aggression have been studied in one or more vertebrate species. However, the intersection of genetic and hormonal factors has been explored primarily for androgens and intermale aggression in mice (Mus musculus). This review will consider the evidence that some gene effects on the expression and/or development of intermale aggression are mediated, at least in part, by androgens.

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

Access this chapter

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 169.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 219.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 219.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover 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

  • Attardi, B. Genetic analysis of steroid hormone action. Trends in Biochemical Sciences, 1976, 1, 241–244.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bailey, D. W. Sources of subline divergence and their relative importance for sublines of six major inbred strains of mice. In H. C. Morse, III (Ed.), Origins of inbred mice. New York: Academic Press, 1978.

    Google Scholar 

  • Banarjee, U. The influence of some hormones and drugs on isolation induced aggression in male mice. Communications in Behavioral Biology, 1971, 6, 163–170.

    Google Scholar 

  • Barkley, M. S., & Goldman, B. D. A quantitative study of serum testosterone, sex accessory organ growth, and the development of inter male aggression in the mouse. Hormones and Behavior, 1977, 8, 208–218. (a)

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Barkley, M. S., & Goldman, B. D. The effects of castration and silastic implants of testosterone on intermale aggression in the mouse. Hormones and Behavior, 1977, 9, 32–48. (b)

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Barkley, M. S., & Goldman, B. D. Testosterone-induced aggression in adult female mice. Hormones and Behavior, 1977, 9, 76–84. (c)

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bartke, A. Increased sensitivity of seminal vesicles to testosterone in a mouse strain with low plasma testosterone levels. Journal of Endocrinology, 1974, 60, 145–148.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bartke, A., & Shir, J. G. M. Differences between mouse strains in testicular cholesterol levels and androgen target organs. Journal of Endocrinology, 1972, 55, 173–184.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bartke, A., Steele, R. E., Musto, N., & Caldwell, B. V. Fluctuations in plasma testosterone levels in adult male rats and mice. Endocrinology, 1973, 92, 1223–1228.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bartke, A., Roberson, C., & Dalterio, S. Concentration of gonadotrophins in the plasma and testicular responsiveness to gonadotrophic stimulation in androgen-deficient C57BL/10J mice. Journal of Endocrinology, 1977, 75, 441–442.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Batty, J. Plasma levels of testosterone and male sexual behaviour in strains of the house mouse (Mus musculus). Animal Behaviour, 1978, 26, 339–348.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Beach, F. A., & Buehler, M. G. Male rats with inherited insensitivity to androgen show reduced sexual behavior. Endocrinology, 1977, 100, 197–200.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

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

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Brain, P. F. Hormones and behavior (Vol. 2). St. Albans, England: Eden Medical Research, 1979. (a)

    Google Scholar 

  • Brain, P. F. Hormones, drugs and behavior (Vol. 3). St. Albans, England: Eden Medical Research, 1979. (b)

    Google Scholar 

  • Calhoun, J. B. A comparative study of the social behavior of two inbred strains. Ecological Monograph, 1956, 26, 81–103.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chapman, W. V., & Whitten, W. K. The occurrence and inheritance of pregnancy blocking in inbred mice. Genetics, 1969, 61, S9.

    Google Scholar 

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

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

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

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Edwards, D. A. Post-neonatal androgenization and adult aggressive behavior in female mice. Physiology and Behavior, 1970, 5, 465–467.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Eleftheriou, B. E., & Lucas, L. A. Age-related changes in testes, seminal vesicles and plasma testosterone levels in male mice. Gerontologia, 1974, 20, 231–238.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Eleftheriou, B. E., Bailey, D. W., & Denenberg, V. H. Genetic analysis of fighting behavior in mice. Physiology and Behavior, 1974, 13, 773–777.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Fuller, J. L., & Hahn, M. E. Issues in the genetics of social behavior. Behavior Genetics, 1976, 6, 391–406.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Fuller, J. L., & Thompson, W. R. Foundations of behavior genetics. St. Louis: C. V. Mosby, 1978.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gandelman, R. Gonadal hormones and the induction of intraspecific fighting in mice. Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews, 1980, 4, 133–140.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hahn, M. E., & Haber, S. B. The inheritance of agonistic behavior in male mice: A diallel analysis. Aggressive Behavior, 1982, 8, 19–38.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hamburg, D. A. Genetics of adrenocortical hormone metabolism in relation to psychological stress. In J. Hirsch (Ed.), Behavior-genetic analysis. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1967.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hayward, P., & Shire, J. G. M. Y chromosome effects on adult testis size. Nature, 1974, 250, 499–500.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Herrick, C. S., & Wolfe, H. G. Effect of Y-chromosome on testis size in the mouse (Mus musculus). Genetics, 1977, 86, S27.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kessler, S., Harmatz, P., & Gerling, S. A. The genetics of pheromonally mediated aggression in mice: I. Strain differences in the capacity of male urinary odors to elicit aggression. Behavior Genetics, 1975, 5, 233–238.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kessler, S., Elliott, G. R., Orenberg, E. K., & Barchas, J. D. A genetic analysis of aggressive behavior in two strains of mice. Behavior Genetics, 1977, 7, 313–321.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lagerspetz, K. Genetic and social causes of aggressive behavior in mice. Scandinavian Journal of Psychology, 1961,2, 167–173.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lagerspetz, K. M. J., & Lagerspetz, K. Y. H. The expression of the genes in aggressiveness in mice: The effect of androgen on aggression and sexual behavior in females. Aggressive Behavior, 1975, 1, 291–296.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lagerspetz, K. M. J., & Wuorinen, K. W. A cross-fostering experiment with mice selectively bred for aggressiveness and non-aggressiveness. Reports of the Psychological Institute, University of Turku, 1965, 17, 1–6.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lagerspetz, K. Y. H., Tirri, R., & Lagerspetz, K. M. J. Neurochemical and endocrinological studies of mice selectively bred for aggressiveness. Scandinavian Journal of Psychology, 1968, 9, 157–160.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Maxson, S. C. The genetics of aggression in vertebrates. In P. F. Brain & D. Benton (Eds.), The biology of aggression. Alphen aan den Rijn, Netherlands: Sijthoff en Noordhoff, 1981.

    Google Scholar 

  • Maxson, S. C., Ginsburg, B. E., & Trattner, A. Interaction of Y-chromosomal and autosomal gene(s) in the development of intermale aggression in mice. Behavior Genetics, 1979, 9, 219–226.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Maxson, S. C., Platt, T., Shrenker, P., & Trattner, A. The influence of the Y-chromosome of Rb/ lBg mice on agonistic behaviors. Aggressive Behavior, 1982, 8, 285–292.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McGill, T. E. Genetic factors influencing the action of hormones on sexual behavior. In J. B. Hutchinson (Ed.), Biological determinants of sexual behavior. New York: Wiley, 1978.

    Google Scholar 

  • McKinney, T. D., & Desjardins, C. Postnatal development of testis, fighting behavior, and fertility in the house mouse. Biology and Reproduction, 1972, 9, 279–294.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mosig, D. W. Sexual and aggressive behaviors in two inbred strains of mice. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, University of Florida, 1974.

    Google Scholar 

  • Moyer, K. E. Kinds of aggression and their physiological basis. Communications in Behavioral Biology, 1968, 2A, 65–87.

    Google Scholar 

  • Moyer, K. E. The psychobiology of aggression. New York: Harper & Row, 1976.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mugford, R. A. Androgenic stimulation of aggression eliciting cues in adult opponent mice castrated at birth, weaning or maturity. Hormones and Behavior, 1974, 5, 93–109.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mugford, R. A., & Nowell, N. W. The dose response to testosterone propionate of preputial glands, pheromones, and aggression in mice. Hormones and Behavior, 1972, 3, 39–46.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ohno, S. An argument for the simplicity of mammalian regulatory systems: Single gene determination of male and female phenotypes. Nature, 1971, 234, 134–138.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ohno, S. Major sex determining genes. New York: Springer-Verlag, 1979.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ohno, S., Geller, L. N., & Lai, D. J. Tfm mutation and masculinization versus feminization of mouse central nervous system. Cell, 1974, 3, 235–242.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Owen, K., Peters, P. J., & Bronson, F. H. Differential responsiveness to replacement therapy of pre and postpubertally castrated mice with respect to intermale aggression. Hormones and Behavior, 1973, 4, 301–306.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Scott, J. P. Agonistic behavior of mice and rats: A review. American Zoologist, 1966, 6, 683–701.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Scott, J. P., & Fredericson, E. The causes of fighting in mice and rats. Physiological Zoology, 1951, 24, 273–309.

    Google Scholar 

  • Selmanoff, M. K., & Ginsburg, B. E. Genetic variability in aggression and endocrine function in inbred strains of mice. In P. F. Brain & D. Benton (Eds.), Multidisciplinary approaches to aggression research. Amsterdam: Elsevier/North-Holland Biomedical Press, 1981.

    Google Scholar 

  • Selmanoff, M. K., Jumonville, J. E., Maxson, S. C., & Ginsburg, B. E. Evidence for a Y chromosomal contribution to an aggressive phenotype in inbred mice. Nature, 1975, 253, 529–530.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Selmanoff, M. K., Maxson, S. C., & Ginsburg, B. E. Chromosomal determinants of intermale aggressive behavior in inbred mice. Behavior Genetics, 1976, 6, 53–69.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Selmanoff, M. K., Abreu, E., Goldman, B. D., & Ginsburg, B. E. Manipulation of aggressive behavior in adult DBA/2/Bg and C57BL/10/Bg male mice implanted with testosterone in silastic tubing. Hormones and Behavior, 1977, 8, 377–390.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Selmanoff, M. K., Goldman, B. D., & Ginsburg, B. E. Developmental changes in serum luteinizing hormones, follicle stimulating hormone and androgen levels in males of two inbred mouse strains. Endocrinology, 1977, 100, 122–127.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Selmanoff, M. K., Goldman, B. D., Maxson, S. C., & Ginsburg, B. E. Correlated effects of the Y- chromosome of mice on developmental changes in testosterone levels and intermale aggression. Life Sciences, 1977, 20, 359–366.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Shapiro, B. H., Levine, D. C., & Adler, N. T. The testicular feminized rats: A naturally occurring model of androgen independent brain masculinization. Science, 1980, 209, 418–420.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Shire, J. G. M. Genes, hormones and behavioural variation. In J. M. Thoday & A. S. Parkes (Eds.), Genetic and environmental influences on behavior. New York: Plenum Press, 1968.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shire, J. G. M., & Bartke, A. Strain differences in testicular weight and spermatogenesis with special reference to C57BL/10J and DBA/2J mice. Endocrinology, 1972, 55, 163–171.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Simon, N. G. The genetics of intermale aggressive behavior in mice: Recent research and alternative strategies. Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews, 1979, 3, 97–106.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Staats, J. Standardized nomenclature for inbred strains of mice: Sixth listing. Cancer Research, 1976, 36, 4333–4377.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Stewart, A. D., Manning, A., & Batty, J. Effects of Y-chromosome variants on the male behaviour of the mouse Mus musculus. Genetic Research, Cambridge, 1980, 35, 261–268.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Thiessen, D. D. The evolution and chemistry of aggression. Springfield, Ill.: Charles C Thomas, 1976.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tollman, T., & King, J. A. The effect of testosterone propionate on aggression in male and female C57BL/10 mice. British Journal of Animal Behaviour, 1956, 4, 147–149.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ulrich, J. The social heredity in albino mice. Journal of Comparative Psychology, 1938, 25, 373–413.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Vale, J. R., Vale, C. A., & Harley, J. P. Interaction of genotype and population number with regard to aggressive behavior, social grooming, and adrenal and gonadal weight in male mice. Communications in Behavioral Biology, 1971, 6, 209–221.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vale, J. R., Ray, D., & Vale, C. A. The interaction of genotype and exogenous neonatal androgen: Agonistic behavior in female mice. Behavioral Biology, 1972, 7, 321–334.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Vale, J. R., Ray, D., & Vale, C. A. Interaction of genotype and exogenous neonatal estrogen: Aggression in female mice. Physiology and Behavior, 1973, 10, 181–183. (a)

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Vale, J. R., Ray, D., & Vale, C. A. The interaction of genotype and exogenous neonatal androgen and estrogen: Sex behavior in female mice. Developmental Psychobiology, 1973, 6, 319–327. (b)

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • van Abeelan, J. H. F. Effects of genotype on mouse behaviour. Animal Behaviour, 1966, 14, 218–225.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wahlsten, D. A critique of the concepts of heritability and heredity in behavioral genetics. In J. R. Royce & L. P. Mos (Eds.), Theoretical advances in behavior genetics. Germantown, Md.: Sijthoff & Noordhoff, 1979.

    Google Scholar 

  • Weir, J. A. Allosomal and autosomal control of sex ratio in PHH and PHL mice. Genetics, 1976, 84, 755–764.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Weir, J. A., & Hogle, G. A. Influence of the Y chromosome on sex ratio and mating behavior in PHH and PHL mice. Genetics, 1973, 74, S294.

    Google Scholar 

  • West, W. T., Evans, M. I., & Hamilton, J. B. Strain differences in target organ weight changes among mice treated with androgens. Growth, 1980, 44, 36–45.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Winer, B. J. Statistical principles in experimental design. New York: Plenum Press, 1962.

    Book  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 1983 Plenum Press, New York

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Maxson, S.C., Shrenker, P., Vigue, L.C. (1983). Genetics, Hormones, and Aggression. In: Svare, B.B. (eds) Hormones and Aggressive Behavior. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4613-3521-4_8

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4613-3521-4_8

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4613-3523-8

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4613-3521-4

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

Publish with us

Policies and ethics