The neurobiology of offensive aggression: revealing a modular view

摘要: Experimental studies aimed at understanding the neurobiology of aggression started in early 20th century, and by employing increasingly sophisticated tools functional neuroanatomy (i.e., from electric/chemical lesion stimulation techniques to neurochemical mapping manipulations) have provided important framework for brain circuit organization aggressive behaviors. Recently, newly emerging technologies mapping,measuring manipulating neural circuitry level molecular genetically defined neuronal subtypes promise further delineate precise microcircuits mediating initiation termination behavior, characterize its dynamic neuromolecular functioning. This paper will review some behavioral, neuroanatomical evidence support a modular view offensive behavior. Although behavior likely arises specific concerted activity within distributed network across multiple regions, opto- pharmacogenetic manipulation make it clear that molecularly-defined neurons single node this global interconnected seems be both necessary sufficient evoke attacks. However, so far also indicates addition behavior-specific there are systems should considered as more general behavioral control modules. The answer question specificity structures individual requires change traditional experimental setup. Studies using c-fos expression usually compare activation patterns induced example with home cage control. reveal pattern, comparison other social non-social related behaviors such mating, defensive burying or running might appropriate. In addition, correlations between different environmental contexts give an indication these functions. Elucidating how circuits modulate social-aggressive mediate complex emotional states lead better mechanisms which deficits expressed various neuropsychiatric disorders. efficacious pharmacological circuit-based therapeutics curb excessive/abnormal improve function.