Dominance reversal resulting from aggressive responses evoked by brain telestimulation

Stimulation of lateral and anterior hypothalamic sites in male rhesus monkeys resulted in aggressive attacks directed against other group members, which were sufficient to cause a permanent reversal of dominance.

Abstract

Stimulation of lateral and anterior hypothalamic sites in male rhesus monkeys resulted in aggressive attacks directed against other group members. New groups were formed in which the stimulated animals were subordinate. It was found that aggressive attacks against the dominant animals were readily evoked and were sufficient, after several days, to cause a permanent reversal of dominance.