Animal Models of Aggression: the Role of Sex and Social Experience

editorial reviewed
Rodent models have been extensively used to study the neural underpinnings ofaggression. Yet, the role of some external factors such as social experiences, orinternal factors such as biological sex, have only recently gained attention. Thischapter discusses how the composition of the social environment and/or the lackof social contact (social isolation) in different stages of development impact thedisplay of aggressive behavior in rodents. Additionally, this chapter covers howbiological sex interacts with changes in the composition of the social environmentto affect the neuronal networks of aggression. From a neurobiological point ofview, this chapter focuses particularly on the participation of neuroendocrinesystems such as sex hormones, oxytocin, and vasopressin and on how socialinteractions shape brain plasticity within those systems.