[Role of ACTH and corticosteroids in the aggressive-defensive behavior of rats].

Judging by the thresholds of the squeak, rising and fight reactions, the fight reaction frequency and threat standing reaction to shock--induced aggression in rats, the ACTH enhanced the fear response and fight behaviour both in normal and adrenalectomized rats. Removal of the adrenal glands facilitated the shock--induced aggression whereas hydrocortisone and DOCA caused the opposite effect. The ACTH seems to produce a direct extraadrenal effect on the brain structures thus inducing the formation of irritable aggression.