Social defeat and subordination as models of social stress in laboratory rodents: A review

Abstract

This paper is a review of the main research topics currently investigated in laboratory rodents using the stress of defeat or subordination as ethologically relevant models of social stress. First, the main characteristics of the resident/intruder paradigm and the colony models are given. Second, a general description of the behavioral, neuroendocrinological, physiological, neurochemical, neurological, and immunological responses found with these models, and their temporal dynamics, are discussed. Finally, the studies carried out that compare the response induced by social stress with that observed with more conventional models are also reviewed. It is concluded that these animal models of social stress have construct validity with a number of utilities. Aggr. Behav. 24:241–256, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.