Olfactory bulb removal vs peripherally induced anosmia: Differential effects on the aggressive behavior of male mice

Abstract

A variety of studies have shown that bilateral removal of the olfactory bulbs renders male mice nonaggressive. In the present study aggressive male mice were rendered anosmic by intranasal application of a zinc sulfate solution. Many males continued to fight even though apparently totally lacking sense of smell. We conclude that the abolition of intermale aggressive behavior after bulb removal is not due to the production of anosmia per se.