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Approved For Release QQWB]0BNDIACIA-RDP96-00788R001300020001-6 ST-CS-01-169-72 July 1972 precise behavioral modifications might be brought about. Unfor- tunately, the identity of neurotransmitters associated with most celis is unknown. However, a few neurotransmitters have been identified, and an exciting flood of research has always accom panied their discovery. Bridges are built between the often separated fields of pharmacology, physiology, and biochemistry, and a new level of understanding of the nervous system is: achieved. 5@ it was when acetylcholine and noradrenaline were found many years ago to be the transmitter substances for the parasympathetic and sympathetic parts of the autonomic nervous system. And so it has been in the past few years as evidence has built up in favor of dopamine, noradrenaline, serotonin, and acetylcholine playing neurotransmitter roles in the visceral brain. 5. (U) Two groups of workers have recently reported that cholinomimetic stimulation of the brain produces aggressive behavior and killing in rats. Cholinergic blocking agents reverse the effect. The areas involved are the lateral hypo- thalamus (Smith, King, and Hoebel 1970), septal area and amygdala (Igic, Stern, and Basagic 1970). Pathological aggressive- ness is probably the most disagreeable of all human traits. The . precise identification of circuits of violence and a definition . of their means 6f control would be of inestimable social value. That pathologically agressive behavior can be triggered without discernible provocation in susceptible individuals is as well known to the courts as it is to the medical profession (209). 6. (U) The discussion above was included as important back- ground information on the brain, biogenic amines and theories for controlling behavior. The author mentions that the precise identification of the mental pathways for aggression in humans would be of inestimable social value. However, if one does learn and identify these pathways and ways of initiating aggres- sive behavior as in the rat experiment above, it may be used for antisocial effects as well. 7. (U) AR. Luria of the University of Moscow has been studying the functional organization of the brain for several years. In .@ recent article, Doctor Luria describea some recent Soviet advances in the mapping of the brain (210). The lengthy article is con—- cluded by Luria stating that neuropsychology has put us (the Soviets) on a new path in the investigation of how the brain functions. Luria feels that this is likely to lead the way to ~ substantial changes in the design of psychological research in the future. 72 . CONTROLLED DISSEMINATION NO DISSEMINATION ABROAD CONFIDENTIAL (This page is UNCLASSIFIED) proved For Release SOUS OO CIA RD Pee UU SoROOTSOUUDU0UT Se