The effect of peripheral olfactory blockade on the social behavior of the male golden hamster

Marshall Devor*, Michael R. Murphy

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

77 Scopus citations

Abstract

Bilateral olfactory bulbectomy eliminates mating and attenuates intermale investigatory and aggressive behavior in male golden hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus). Two reversible methods of peripheral olfactory blockage were found to mimic these effects. They were (1) unilateral olfactory bulbectomy combined with contralateral nostril occlusion and (2) bilateral reversible destruction of the olfactory epithelium by zinc sulfate infusion. These results indicate that a primary sensory deficit is sufficient to explain the effects of bulbectomy on social behavior and that incidental disruption of central nervous system tissue need not be invoked.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)31-42
Number of pages12
JournalBehavioral Biology
Volume9
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 1973
Externally publishedYes

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