GENETIC FEATURES of DEVELOPMENTAL PATTERNS OF AGONISTIC BEHAVIOR IN LABORATORY MALE MICE UNDER SOCIAL HIERARCHY CONDITIONS

Abstract

Background. Agonistic behavior is necessary for formation of dominant-subordinate relationship and for maintenance of social hierarchy in animal communities. However? there are few reports about the genetic features of agonistic behavior development in animals living in stable social groups. The aim of the present study was to investigate the ontogeny of agonistic behavior in male mice of different genotype and social status under stable social hierarchy conditions. Materials and methods. We studied the age dynamics of offensive attacks, the vertical defensive postures and the “runaway” behavior in male mice of inbred strains PT and CBA/Lac housed in genetically heterogeneous pairs during puberty (from 38 to 70 days of life). Results. Dominant-subordinate relationships were stable in 80 % of pairs during the experiment. During the period of stable social hierarchy we observed a transient increase in the number of offensive attacks at the end of puberty in dominants of the strain CBA/Lac but not in PT. Conclusion. In conclusion, the study revealed a significant influence of social rank and genotype on the development of patterns of social behavior in laboratory male mice during puberty.