The Institute of Cytology and Genetics suggests that aggressive behavior causes excessive death of neurons in the brain. To find out, the scientists examined the amount of BDNF and proBDNF proteins in the brains of the most and least aggressive rats, selected from 70 generations.
In the early stages of the formation of the human and animal brain, an excessive number of neurons are formed, which begin to die after birth. Excessive or insufficient cell death leads to the development of diseases - Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases, to depression.
The proteins BDNF and proBDNF are involved in the formation and death of neurons. The former helps create connections between neurons, while the latter, its predecessor, is responsible for cell death.
The Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences in Novosibirsk investigated the role of these proteins in the regulation of aggressive behavior in rats. More than 70 generations, scientists have selected for reproduction in two groups of the most aggressively disposed to people rats and peace-loving. In each of the two groups, the area of the midbrain suture nuclei, the hippocampus, and the frontal cortex of the rat brain was examined.
In aggressive rats, the proBDNF level in the hippocampus and suture nuclei was increased. More research is needed to find out if the results are applicable to humans.