Poster Session #1: South UC Ballroom
Presentation Type
Poster
Faculty Mentor’s Full Name
Benjamin Eisenreich
Faculty Mentor’s Department
Psychology
Abstract / Artist's Statement
Previous studies have demonstrated that the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) Fluoxetine reduces aggression in Siamese fighting fish (Betta splendens). While this finding has been replicated across multiple studies, the behavioral mechanism of Fluoxetine's action upon aggression is not known. Betta splendens are great candidates for Fluoxetine exposure based on their well documented seratonergic activity as well as their choice for agressive opportunities. In particular, Fluoxetine may produce its anti-aggressive effects by altering the motivational component of aggressive responding in Betta splendens or through the sedation of motoric activity. To examine this hypothesis a maze swimming task for access to aggressive oppurtunities was designed. Results from this task indicated that Fluoxetine exposures reduce the appetitive properties of the aggressive encounters and provide evidence for a role of serotonin in the control of motivational processes. The results leave room for discussion of the impacts of antidepressant medications used by humans.
Category
Life Sciences
Betta Less Motivated: Effects of Fluoxetine on Betta Splendens
South UC Ballroom
Previous studies have demonstrated that the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) Fluoxetine reduces aggression in Siamese fighting fish (Betta splendens). While this finding has been replicated across multiple studies, the behavioral mechanism of Fluoxetine's action upon aggression is not known. Betta splendens are great candidates for Fluoxetine exposure based on their well documented seratonergic activity as well as their choice for agressive opportunities. In particular, Fluoxetine may produce its anti-aggressive effects by altering the motivational component of aggressive responding in Betta splendens or through the sedation of motoric activity. To examine this hypothesis a maze swimming task for access to aggressive oppurtunities was designed. Results from this task indicated that Fluoxetine exposures reduce the appetitive properties of the aggressive encounters and provide evidence for a role of serotonin in the control of motivational processes. The results leave room for discussion of the impacts of antidepressant medications used by humans.