Dominant male rodents exhibit increased rates of neuron formation
(neurogenesis) compared to subordinate rodents. Elevated testosterone
levels lead to similar increases in neurogenesis. Because dominant
rodents frequently exhibit elevated testosterone levels, individual
differences in testosterone production may underlie dominance-related
neurogenesis. However, other aspects of dominance hierarchies, such as
stress, may also contribute to differences in neurogenesis. The current
study aimed to determine the relative contribution of these hormonal and
social factors to dominance-related neurogenesis by dissociating them.