The effects of chlorpromazine and d-amphetamine upon shock-elicited aggression.

Abstract

Graded dosages of chlorpromazine hydrochloride and d-amphetamine sulfate were administered to rats and shock-elicited fighting frequencies determined. Chlorpromazine interfered with or abolished fighting at appropriate dosages, but d-amphetamine had little or no effect on fighting elicited by grid shock. However, when elicited by subdermal shock, d-amphetamine decreased shock elicited aggression at larger dosages and higher shock intensities, but moderate dosages, combined with moderate shock intensities, increased aggression. These results were discussed within the context of the arousal properties associated with shock-elicited aggression.