Nucleus striae terminalis lesions affect agonistic behavior of pigeons.

MARTIN RAMIREZ, J. AND J. D. DELIUS. Nucleus striae terminalis lesions affect agonistic behavior in pigeons. PHYSIOL. BEHAV. 22(5) 871-875, 1979.--Bilateral lesions of the nucleus striae terminalis suppressed the aggressive behavior shown by selected pigeons in response to a stick or the experimenter's hand being introduced into their home cage. Sham-operated animals did not show such an effect. Larger, accurately placed lesions led to an immediate suppression, smaller, less precisely placed lesions to a delayed effect. The suppression of aggression was accompanied by an increase in avoidance responses. The results are discussed in relation to suspected endocrinal activity of the nucleus striae terminalis and to the function this structure has in mammals.