Rodent Modeling of Aggression, Elucidating the Role of Cytokines in the Brain

Aggression is an intrinsic behavior of most species. Escalated aggression is a common symptom of neuropsychiatric disorders (schizophrenia, substance abuse, autism spectrum disorders, depression), which are known to be associated with immune dysfunction. Increasing evidence from clinical and animal studies suggests a role of inflammation and immunologic processes in modulating behavior. This review focuses on the data obtained on the basis of multiple rodent models of aggression indicating a link between immunity, cytokines, and aggression. The current literature revealed that aggression induced by chronic exposure to psychological stress or genetic factors has a profound impact on peripheral immune responses and cytokine production accompanied by changes in cytokine profiles within brain regions involved in behavioral control and immunomodulation. These findings indicate that cytokine dysregulation might contribute to neuroimmune mechanisms underlying aggressive behavior that can assist in developing new approaches to the treatments of affective disorders.