Differential Effect of Alcohol on Aggressive Behavior in Dominant and Subordinate Hamsters

Abstract

Pairs of male golden hamsters were tested to see whether alcohol differentially affected the aggressive behavior of the hamsters depending upon dominance status. 14 pairs of singly-caged hamsters were used. Dominance relationships were established between pairs of hamsters and the hamster pairs were then divided into two groups, one in which previous winners received alcohol and a second in which previous losers received alcohol. Hamsters were injected with either 2 gm alcohol/kg body weight or normal saline, and pairs were then tested in an arena for 3 min. or until one animal lost an encounter. When previous winners received alcohol fighting behavior decreased, but when previous losers received alcohol fighting was essentially the same as in the saline control condition.