Meeting Abstract

P2.160  Monday, Jan. 5  Exogenous corticosterone alters behavior in House Sparrows (Passer domesticus) BRUBAKER, J.L.*; SCHULKIN, J.; ROMERO, L.M.; Tufts University; Georgetown University; Tufts University jessica.brubaker@gmail.com

In response to a stressor, animals undergo physiological changes as well as behavioral changes which ultimately allow the animal to better cope with the stressor. This study examined the effects of exogenous corticosterone on behavior in the House Sparrow (Passer domesticus). Birds were injected with either 0g, 50g, or 100g of corticosterone suspended in peanut oil and then subjected to a crowding stressor. The crowding stressor consisted of 0, 2, or 5 intruder birds entering the focal birds cage. Trials were videotaped and scored for the frequency of 8 aggressive and maintenance behaviors. Increased corticosterone doses were associated with an increase in activity and maintenance behaviors whereas an increased number of intruders was associated with increased aggressive behaviors. Additionally, other aggressive behaviors were dependent on the interaction of corticosterone dose and number of intruders. This provides further evidence that the behavioral effects of corticosterone are context dependent. Furthermore, this study serves as a foundation upon which the interaction between corticosterone and other behavioral agonists and antagonists can be tested.