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Behavioral and Neurochemical Differences Between Fischer 344 and Harlan–Wistar Rats Raised Identically

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Abstract

Inbred Fisher 344 and outbred Harlan–Wistar rats were compared in the elevated plus maze, the black-and-white box, the social interaction test, and a modified open-field test, to assess the contribution of genetic factors to aversion-motivated behavior. All animals used were born and raised under identical conditions. Compared to the Wistar rats, the Fischer rats displayed a more pronounced fearful behavior in all tests. In a separate microdialysis study, the relationship between behavioral variations to biochemical differences was assessed, with serotonin (5-HT) release in the ventral hippocampus being measured during the elevated plus-maze test. Exposure to the elevated plus-maze induced an increase in hippocampal 5-HT in the (more anxious) Fischer rats but not in the (less anxious) Wistar rats. The results confirm the influence of genetic factors on emotionality in rats and demonstrate a close, although not simple, relationship between the serotonergic system and “anxiety-related” behavior.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Charité, Medical Faculty, Humboldt University at Berlin, D-10098, Berlin, Germany

    A. Rex & J.-P. Voigt

  2. Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Free University of Berlin, Koserstr. 20, D-14195, Berlin, Germany

    H. Fink

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  1. A. Rex
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  2. J.-P. Voigt
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  3. H. Fink
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Rex, A., Voigt, JP. & Fink, H. Behavioral and Neurochemical Differences Between Fischer 344 and Harlan–Wistar Rats Raised Identically. Behav Genet 29, 187–192 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1021644002588

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