Hormonal Control of Alcohol-Induced Aggression in Male Japanese Quail

Hormonal Control of Alcohol-Induced Aggression in Male Japanese Quail

While testosterone typically has been attributed to aggressive behaviors in male mammals, this hormone has not been directly linked to aggression. Rather, this association is likely due to the transformation of testosterone into estrogen in the brain – a process known as aromatization (Schlinger & Callard, 1990). Alcohol exposure has been shown to increase estrogen levels while decreasing testosterone levels (Von Der Pahlen, 2005). Therefore, alcohol-induced aggression may be due to aromatization. In Japanese quail, aggressive behaviors are easily observed and quantified (Schilinger, Palter, & Callard, 1987) and require aromatization (Schlinger, 1989). Additionally, circulating hormone levels may be manipulated without surgical alterations via photoperiodism in quail (Robinson & Follett, 1982). The present study investigated the role of aromatization on alcohol-induced aggressive behavior in male quail.