Neuroendocrine and neurochemical mechanisms of the domestication of animals

A review of experimental data documenting that domestication of animals is associated with hereditary reorganization of neuro-endocrine mechanisms, responsible for basic processes of ontogeny, is presented. The data demonstrated changes in gonadal and pituitary-adrenal systems in domesticated animals. Analysis of evidence that selection for low aggressiveness towards man is, in fact, the selection for definite activity of brain neurotransmitters regulating aggressive behaviour and emotional stress response has been carried out. Supposed role of modifications in the mechanisms of domestication is discussed.     

The significance of the genotype and individual behavioral characteristics for the manifestation of the dominant phenotype in mouse micropopulations]

Influence of genotype and such individual characteristics as locomotor and exploratory activity, aggressiveness and emotionality, was studied in male mice. Males F1 and males of the parent line PT had high level of social dominance. F1 had high level of aggressiveness, and low emotionality, medium level of locomotor and exploratory activity. Significance of these individual behavioural characteristics for dominant behaviour is discussed.     

O-Specific Polysaccharides (O-Antigens) of a New Species of Enteric Bacteria Escherichia albertii Closely Related to Escherichia coli

Russian Journal of Bioorganic Chemistry - The data on the structure of O-specific polysaccharides (O-antigens) of all nine known molecular types (potential O-serotypes) of a new type of...     

Effects of the Cc2d1a/Freud-1 Knockdown in the Hippocampus of BTBR Mice on the Autistic-Like Behavior,Expression of Serotonin 5-HT1A and D2 Dopamine Receptors,and CREB and NF-kB Intracellular Signaling

Biochemistry (Moscow) - The mechanisms of autism are of extreme interest due to the high prevalence of this disorder in the human population. In this regard, special attention is given to the...     

Genetico-neurochemical analysis of the role of brain catecholamines in population hierarchy in male laboratory mice

Comparative genetic analysis of social dominance in micropopulations of male mice as well as noradrenaline and dopamine levels in brain was carried out. The RT male mice had maximal level of social dominance and the greatest content of brain catecholamines. It is suggested that the capacity for social dominance may depend on the function of the central catecholamine neurons. This suggestion has been confirmed by the data obtained both for interstrain and intrastrain relations between social dominance and catecholamine levels.