Effects of n-di-propylacetate on aggressive behavior and brain GABA level in isolated mice.

n-di-Propylacetate (nDPA, valproate) a GABA-T inhibitor, injected IP at the dose of 300 mg/kg antagonized agonistic behavior of isolated DBA/2 mice in a time-dependent fashion in parallel to an increase of GABA levels in olfactory bulb, striatum, posterior colliculus and septum. After 75 min, aggressive responses were higher than those after 15 to 45 min and significantly lower in comparison with those of saline injected mice. After 120 min aggressive behavior was not different from that of control mice. The concentration of GABA in the striatum and olfactory bulb returned to control value 75 and 120 min after drug administration, respectively. After 120 min GABA levels in posterior colliculus and septum were lower than those after 15 to 75 min, although significantly higher in comparison with those of saline injected mice. The results are discussed in terms of the possible involvement of olfactory bulb and striatum in GABA-mediated control of isolation-induced aggressive behavior in mice.