Characterization of behavioural responses in different test contexts after a single social defeat in male golden hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus)

▶ A single social defeat is sufficient to affect behaviours and memory in hamsters. ▶ Subsequent behavioural changes in defeated hamsters are context-dependent. ▶ Defeated males displayed differential time and behaviours towards different intruders. ▶ The formation of long-term memory of social defeat requires de novo protein synthesis. ▶Repeated social defeats generate behavioural alterations in the elevated plus-maze.