Aggression in female mice: contrasting effects of amiflamine (FLA 336), a selective and reversible MAO-type A inhibitor.

The effects of FLA 336 on the attack by resident groups of female mice on strange female intruders were assessed. This MAO-type A inhibitor clearly suppressed attack in treated subjects without producing major alterations in other activities but there was no clear dose-response relationship. The substance also increased attack on treated animals, an effect largely mediated via changes in the odor characteristics of the urine. The data emphasize the need for appropriate controls in studies with psychoactive compounds to distinguish direct (CNS-mediated) from indirect (mediated via changed signalling or perception) actions.