[Inhibitory role of serotonin in manifestations of predatory aggression in the mink and silver fox].

The predatory aggression of minks and silver-black foxes were estimated by their attacks on the rats placed in their cage. Intraperitoneal injection of 5-hydroxytryptophan (serotonin precursor) in a dose of 100 mg/kg to foxes and 50 mg/kg to minks, caused a significant blocking of predatory aggression. Estimation of serotonin level in the brain following administration of corresponding doses of 5-HTP inhibiting the predatory aggression, revealed a considerable increase of serotonin content. It may be assumed that serotonin inhibitory mechanisms of predatory aggression are homologous in different species of animals.