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Olfactory Bulb Removal but not Anosmia increases Emotionality and Mouse Killing

Nature volume 238, pages 454–455 (1972)Cite this article

Abstract

THE extent to which olfactory stimuli control animal behaviour is a current topic of empirical investigation and theoretical speculation. In many studies a critical experimental strategy has been the complete elimination of olfactory sensation, achieved by surgical removal or destruction of the olfactory bulbs. Considerable disruptions of sexual1–4, maternal5, territorial6,7 and aggressive8,9 activities occur after centrally induced anosmia in various species. According to some reports, bulbectomy also induces irritability and hyperemotionality resembling the classic septal “rage” syndrome10–13.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, 08540

    JEFFREY R. ALBERTS & MARK I. FRIEDMAN

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  1. JEFFREY R. ALBERTS
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  2. MARK I. FRIEDMAN
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ALBERTS, J., FRIEDMAN, M. Olfactory Bulb Removal but not Anosmia increases Emotionality and Mouse Killing. Nature 238, 454–455 (1972). https://doi.org/10.1038/238454a0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/238454a0

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