Role of serotonergic mechanisms in animal models of predation

Abstract

1. 1. A short critical review of the role of serotonin in predatory attack is given.2. 2. Among factors determining the degree and type of psychopharmacological involvement are: species, drug, and dependent behavioral measure chosen as a representative index of predation.3. 3. One factor which may limit the actual involvement of serotonin is response non-specificity, i.e. the generalized disinhibition of behavior which is present after reductions in brain levels of this amine.4. 4. New data are presented concerning response specificity in two models of predation indicating this may pose an actual problem.