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 language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 31-42 |
Number of pages | 12 |
Journal | Behavioral Biology |
Volume | 9 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jul 1973 |
Externally published | Yes |