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Achterberg EJM, Vanderschuren LJMJ. The neurobiology of social play behaviour: Past, present and future. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 152:105319. [PMID: 37454882 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Social play behaviour is a highly energetic and rewarding activity that is of great importance for the development of brain and behaviour. Social play is abundant during the juvenile and early adolescent phases of life, and it occurs in most mammalian species, as well as in certain birds and reptiles. To date, the majority of research into the neural mechanisms of social play behaviour has been performed in male rats. In the present review we summarize studies on the neurobiology of social play behaviour in rats, including work on pharmacological and genetic models for autism spectrum disorders, early life manipulations and environmental factors that influence play in rats. We describe several recent developments that expand the field, and highlight outstanding questions that may guide future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- E J Marijke Achterberg
- Dept. of Population Health Sciences, Section Animals in Science and Society, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 2, 3584 CM Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Louk J M J Vanderschuren
- Dept. of Population Health Sciences, Section Animals in Science and Society, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 2, 3584 CM Utrecht, the Netherlands.
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2
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Burke CJ, Pellis SM, Achterberg EJM. Who's laughing? Play, tickling and ultrasonic vocalizations in rats. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2022; 377:20210184. [PMID: 36126668 PMCID: PMC9489288 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2021.0184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Social play in rats is a highly rewarding, energetic form of social interaction and important for development of the brain and social skills. The 50 kHz ultrasonic vocalizations (USV) emitted during social play are thought to be an expression of a positive affective state (laughter), which in some situations may also function as communication signals. Heterospecific play, 'tickling' by an experimenter, is thought to simulate conspecific play, and has been used to improve welfare and to study the neurobiology of positive affect. Given that tickling evokes substantial amounts of USV, we investigated whether heterospecific play is simulating conspecific play by comparing USV-behaviour associations in both contexts. If the 50 kHz calls are merely an expression of 'laughter' then the pattern and type of emission in both contexts should be similar. By contrast, as playing with a conspecific involves a two-way exchange of signalling, the additional demands on communication should lead to a different pattern of calling. While calling was prevalent in both types of play, how the different types of 50 kHz calls are used in the two contexts differed markedly. The findings suggest that while conspecific and heterospecific play are positive experiences, tickling is not the equivalent of conspecific play. This article is part of the theme issue 'Cracking the laugh code: laughter through the lens of biology, psychology and neuroscience'.
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Affiliation(s)
- C. J. Burke
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, 4401 University Drive West, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada T1 K 3M4
| | - S. M. Pellis
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, 4401 University Drive West, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada T1 K 3M4
| | - E. J. M. Achterberg
- Behavioural Neuroscience Division, Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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3
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The medial temporal lobe structure and function support positive affect. Neuropsychologia 2022; 176:108373. [PMID: 36167193 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2022.108373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Positive affect (PA) is not only associated with individuals' psychological and physical health, but also their cognitive processes. However, whether medial temporal lobe (MTL) and its subfields' volume/functional connectivity can explain individual variability in PA remains understudied. We investigated the morphological (i.e., grey matter volume; GMV) and functional characteristics (i.e., resting-state functional connectivity; rsFC) of PA with a combination of univariate and multivariate pattern analyses (MVPA) using a large sample of participants (n = 321). We simultaneously collected the T1-weighted (n = 321), high-resolution MTL T2-weighted, and resting-state functional imaging data (n = 209). The MTL and its subfields' volumes, including the CA1, CA2+3, DG, and subiculum (SUB), perirhinal cortex (PRC), and parahippocampus (PHC), were extracted using an automatic segmentation of hippocampal subfields (ASHS) software. The morphological results revealed that GMVs in the prefrontal-occipital and limbic (i.e., hippocampus, amygdala, and PHC) systems were associated with variability in PA at the whole-brain level using MVPA but not univariate analysis. Linear regression results further revealed a positive association between the MTL subfields' GMV, especially for the right PRC, and PA after controlling for several covariates. PRC-seed-based rsFC analyses further revealed that its couplings with the fronto-parietal-occipital system predicted PA in both univariate and MVPA. These findings provide novel insights into the neuroanatomical and functional substrates underlying human PA trait. Findings also suggest critical contributions of the MTL and its subfield of the perirhinal cortex, but not hippocampal subfields, as well as its functional coupling with the fronto-parietal control-system on the formation of PA.
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Excessive Laughter-like Vocalizations, Microcephaly, and Translational Outcomes in the Ube3a Deletion Rat Model of Angelman Syndrome. J Neurosci 2021; 41:8801-8814. [PMID: 34475199 PMCID: PMC8528495 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0925-21.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Angelman syndrome (AS) is a rare genetic neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by intellectual disabilities, motor and balance deficits, impaired communication, and a happy, excitable demeanor with frequent laughter. We sought to elucidate a preclinical outcome measure in male and female rats that addressed communication abnormalities of AS and other neurodevelopmental disorders in which communication is atypical and/or lack of speech is a core feature. We discovered, and herein report for the first time, excessive laughter-like 50 kHz ultrasonic emissions in the Ube3a mat-/pat+ rat model of AS, which suggests an excitable, playful demeanor and elevated positive affect, similar to the demeanor of individuals with AS. Also in line with the AS phenotype, Ube3a mat-/pat+ rats demonstrated aberrant social interactions with a novel partner, distinctive gait abnormalities, impaired cognition, an underlying LTP deficit, and profound reductions in brain volume. These unique, robust phenotypes provide advantages compared with currently available mouse models and will be highly valuable as outcome measures in the evaluation of therapies for AS.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Angelman syndrome (AS) is a severe neurogenetic disorder for which there is no cure, despite decades of research using mouse models. This study used a recently developed rat model of AS to delineate disease-relevant outcome measures to facilitate therapeutic development. We found the rat to be a strong model of AS, offering several advantages over mouse models by exhibiting numerous AS-relevant phenotypes, including overabundant laughter-like vocalizations, reduced hippocampal LTP, and volumetric anomalies across the brain. These findings are unconfounded by detrimental motor abilities and background strain, issues plaguing mouse models. This rat model represents an important advancement in the field of AS, and the outcome metrics reported herein will be central to the therapeutic pipeline.
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Wöhr M. Measuring mania-like elevated mood through amphetamine-induced 50-kHz ultrasonic vocalizations in rats. Br J Pharmacol 2021; 179:4201-4219. [PMID: 33830495 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Rats emit 50-kHz ultrasonic vocalizations (USV) in appetitive situations, reflecting a positive affective state. Particularly high rates of 50-kHz USV are elicited by the psychostimulant d-amphetamine. Exaggerated 50-kHz USV emission evoked by d-amphetamine is modulated by dopamine, noradrenaline and 5-hydroxytyrptamine receptor ligands and inhibited by the mood stabilizer lithium, the gold standard anti-manic drug for treating bipolar disorder. This indicates that exaggerated 50-kHz USV emission can serve as a reliable and valid measure for assessing mania-like elevated mood in rats with sufficient translational power for gaining a better understanding of relevant pathophysiological mechanisms and the identification of new therapeutic targets. The improved capacity to study the effects of anti-manic pharmacological interventions on a broader range of behaviours by including exaggerated 50-kHz USV emission as preclinical outcome measure complementary to locomotor hyperactivity will refine rodent models for mania.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Wöhr
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Research Unit Brain and Cognition, Laboratory of Biological Psychology, Social and Affective Neuroscience Research Group, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Faculty of Psychology, Experimental and Biological Psychology, Behavioral Neuroscience, Philipps-University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany.,Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior, Philipps-University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
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6
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West RK, Rodgers SP, Leasure JL. Neural Perturbations Associated With Recurrent Binge Alcohol in Male and Female Rats. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2020; 45:365-374. [PMID: 33295022 DOI: 10.1111/acer.14529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Binge drinking, characterized by brief periods of high intoxication interspersed with periods of abstinence, appears to be particularly damaging to the brain. Binge drinking is increasing among American women, yet few preclinical studies have assessed sex differences in the neurobehavioral effects of binge alcohol. METHODS Adult Long-Evans rats were administered 4 g/kg ethanol (EtOH; or an isocaloric control dose) via intragastric gavage once-weekly. Brains were collected after 3 or 8 binge doses, and immunohistochemistry for mature neurons (NeuN), microglia (Iba1), neurogenesis (DCX), and reactive astrogliosis (vimentin) performed. Stereology was used to quantify target cell populations in the hippocampus and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). In a separate cohort of animals, cognition (spatial navigation and reversal learning), affect (tickling-evoked ultrasonic vocalizations), and task-induced c-fos activation were assessed after 3 or 8 binge doses. RESULTS Blood EtOH concentration did not differ significantly between females (175 ± 3.6 mg/dl) and males (180 ± 3.7 mg/dl) and did not change significantly over time, indicating that tolerance did not develop. After 3 or 8 binge doses, the number of granule neurons in the hippocampal dentate gyrus of both sexes was significantly reduced in comparison with controls, although there was no binge effect on newly generated neurons. Moreover, 8 (but not 3) binge doses significantly increased the total number of microglia and the number of partially activated microglia in the hippocampus and mPFC in both sexes. There was no detectable reactive astrogliosis (vimentin) in either region at any timepoint. There was no effect of binge alcohol on behavior outcomes in either sex, but binged rats showed increased cellular activation in the mPFC following reversal learning. CONCLUSIONS Our data indicate that recurrent binge alcohol results in similar neural damage and neuroimmune activation in alcohol-vulnerable corticolimbic brain regions in males and females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca K West
- Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, Texas
| | | | - J Leigh Leasure
- Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, Texas.,Department of Biology & Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas
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7
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Cieślik M, Gąssowska-Dobrowolska M, Jęśko H, Czapski GA, Wilkaniec A, Zawadzka A, Dominiak A, Polowy R, Filipkowski RK, Boguszewski PM, Gewartowska M, Frontczak-Baniewicz M, Sun GY, Beversdorf DQ, Adamczyk A. Maternal Immune Activation Induces Neuroinflammation and Cortical Synaptic Deficits in the Adolescent Rat Offspring. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E4097. [PMID: 32521803 PMCID: PMC7312084 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21114097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Maternal immune activation (MIA), induced by infection during pregnancy, is an important risk factor for neuro-developmental disorders, such as autism. Abnormal maternal cytokine signaling may affect fetal brain development and contribute to neurobiological and behavioral changes in the offspring. Here, we examined the effect of lipopolysaccharide-induced MIA on neuro-inflammatory changes, as well as synaptic morphology and key synaptic protein level in cerebral cortex of adolescent male rat offspring. Adolescent MIA offspring showed elevated blood cytokine levels, microglial activation, increased pro-inflammatory cytokines expression and increased oxidative stress in the cerebral cortex. Moreover, pathological changes in synaptic ultrastructure of MIA offspring was detected, along with presynaptic protein deficits and down-regulation of postsynaptic scaffolding proteins. Consequently, ability to unveil MIA-induced long-term alterations in synapses structure and protein level may have consequences on postnatal behavioral changes, associated with, and predisposed to, the development of neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Cieślik
- Department of Cellular Signalling, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego 5, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland; (M.G.-D.); (H.J.); (G.A.C.); (A.W.); (A.Z.)
| | - Magdalena Gąssowska-Dobrowolska
- Department of Cellular Signalling, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego 5, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland; (M.G.-D.); (H.J.); (G.A.C.); (A.W.); (A.Z.)
| | - Henryk Jęśko
- Department of Cellular Signalling, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego 5, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland; (M.G.-D.); (H.J.); (G.A.C.); (A.W.); (A.Z.)
| | - Grzegorz A. Czapski
- Department of Cellular Signalling, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego 5, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland; (M.G.-D.); (H.J.); (G.A.C.); (A.W.); (A.Z.)
| | - Anna Wilkaniec
- Department of Cellular Signalling, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego 5, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland; (M.G.-D.); (H.J.); (G.A.C.); (A.W.); (A.Z.)
| | - Aleksandra Zawadzka
- Department of Cellular Signalling, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego 5, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland; (M.G.-D.); (H.J.); (G.A.C.); (A.W.); (A.Z.)
| | - Agnieszka Dominiak
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacogenomics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw, Żwirki i Wigury 61, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Rafał Polowy
- Behavior and Metabolism Research Laboratory, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego 5, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland; (R.P.); (R.K.F.)
| | - Robert K. Filipkowski
- Behavior and Metabolism Research Laboratory, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego 5, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland; (R.P.); (R.K.F.)
| | - Paweł M. Boguszewski
- Laboratory of Animal Models, Neurobiology Center, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pasteur 3, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Magdalena Gewartowska
- Electron Microscopy Platform, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego 5, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland; (M.G.); (M.F.-B.)
| | - Małgorzata Frontczak-Baniewicz
- Electron Microscopy Platform, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego 5, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland; (M.G.); (M.F.-B.)
| | - Grace Y. Sun
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Missouri, 117 Schweitzer Hall, Columbia, MO 65201, USA;
| | - David Q. Beversdorf
- Departments of Radiology, Neurology, and Psychological Sciences, William and Nancy Thompson Endowed Chair in Radiology, DC069.10, One Hospital Drive, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA;
| | - Agata Adamczyk
- Department of Cellular Signalling, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego 5, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland; (M.G.-D.); (H.J.); (G.A.C.); (A.W.); (A.Z.)
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8
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Redecker TM, Kisko TM, Wöhr M, Schwarting RKW. Cacna1c haploinsufficiency lacks effects on adult hippocampal neurogenesis and volumetric properties of prefrontal cortex and hippocampus in female rats. Physiol Behav 2020; 223:112974. [PMID: 32473156 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2020.112974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The cross-disorder risk gene CACNA1C is strongly involved in the etiology of all major neuropsychiatric disorders, with women often being more affected by CACNA1C mutations than men. Human neuroimaging studies provided evidence that CACNA1C variants are associated with anatomical and functional brain alterations, such as decreased prefrontal volumes, microstructural changes in the hippocampus, and reduced hippocampal activity during memory tasks. In mouse models, Cacna1c alterations were repeatedly linked to disorder-like behavioral phenotypes and reduced adult hippocampal neurogenesis, which has been implicated in the pathology of neuropsychiatric disorders. Here, we applied a recently developed rat model and conducted two studies to investigate the effects of partial Cacna1c depletion on adult hippocampal neurogenesis and volumetric properties of the hippocampus and the prefrontal cortex in adult female constitutive heterozygous (Cacna1c+/-) rats and wildtype (Cacna1c+/+) littermate controls. In study 1, we analyzed proliferation versus survival of adult-born hippocampal cells based on a 5-bromodeoxyuridine assay ensuring neuronal cell-type specificity through applying an immunofluorescent multiple staining approach. In study 2, we performed a detailed volumetric analysis with high structural resolution of the dorsal hippocampus and the medial prefrontal cortex, including their major substructures. Our results indicate comparable levels of cell proliferation and neuronal survival in Cacna1c+/- rats and Cacna1c+/+ controls. Additionally, we found similar volumes of the dorsal hippocampus and the medial prefrontal cortex across major substructures irrespective of genotype, indicating that Cacna1c haploinsufficiency has no prominent effects on these brain features in female rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias M Redecker
- Behavioral Neuroscience, Experimental and Biological Psychology, Department of Psychology, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Gutenbergstr. 18, D-35037 Marburg, Germany
| | - Theresa M Kisko
- Behavioral Neuroscience, Experimental and Biological Psychology, Department of Psychology, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Gutenbergstr. 18, D-35037 Marburg, Germany
| | - Markus Wöhr
- Behavioral Neuroscience, Experimental and Biological Psychology, Department of Psychology, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Gutenbergstr. 18, D-35037 Marburg, Germany; Center for Mind, Brain, and Behavior (CMBB), Hans-Meerwein-Str. 6, D-35032 Marburg, Germany; Laboratory for Behavioral Neuroscience, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, DK-5230 Odense M, Denmark
| | - Rainer K W Schwarting
- Behavioral Neuroscience, Experimental and Biological Psychology, Department of Psychology, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Gutenbergstr. 18, D-35037 Marburg, Germany; Center for Mind, Brain, and Behavior (CMBB), Hans-Meerwein-Str. 6, D-35032 Marburg, Germany.
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9
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Beckmann D, Feldmann M, Shchyglo O, Manahan-Vaughan D. Hippocampal Synaptic Plasticity, Spatial Memory, and Neurotransmitter Receptor Expression Are Profoundly Altered by Gradual Loss of Hearing Ability. Cereb Cortex 2020; 30:4581-4596. [PMID: 32202614 PMCID: PMC7325716 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhaa061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Revised: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Sensory information comprises the substrate from which memories are created. Memories of spatial sensory experience are encoded by means of synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus. Hippocampal dependency on sensory information is highlighted by the fact that sudden and complete loss of a sensory modality results in an impairment of hippocampal function that persists for months. Effects are accompanied by extensive changes in the expression of neurotransmitter receptors in cortex and hippocampus, consistent with a substantial adaptive reorganization of cortical function. Whether gradual sensory loss affects hippocampal function is unclear. Progressive age-dependent hearing loss (presbycusis) is a risk factor for cognitive decline. Here, we scrutinized C57BL/6 mice that experience hereditary and cumulative deafness starting in young adulthood. We observed that 2–4 months postnatally, increases in the cortical and hippocampal expression of GluN2A and GluN2B subunits of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor occurred compared to control mice that lack sensory deficits. Furthermore, GABA and metabotropic glutamate receptor expression were significantly altered. Hippocampal synaptic plasticity was profoundly impaired and mice exhibited significant deficits in spatial memory. These data show that during cortical adaptation to cumulative loss of hearing, plasticity-related neurotransmitter expression is extensively altered in the cortex and hippocampus. Furthermore, cumulative sensory loss compromises hippocampal function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Beckmann
- Department of Neurophysiology, Medical Faculty, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum 44780, Germany.,International Graduate School of Neuroscience, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum 44780, Germany
| | - Mirko Feldmann
- Department of Neurophysiology, Medical Faculty, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum 44780, Germany.,International Graduate School of Neuroscience, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum 44780, Germany
| | - Olena Shchyglo
- Department of Neurophysiology, Medical Faculty, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum 44780, Germany
| | - Denise Manahan-Vaughan
- Department of Neurophysiology, Medical Faculty, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum 44780, Germany.,International Graduate School of Neuroscience, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum 44780, Germany
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10
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Budylin T, Guariglia SR, Duran LI, Behring BM, Shaikh Z, Neuwirth LS, Banerjee P. Ultrasonic vocalization sex differences in 5-HT-R deficient mouse pups: Predictive phenotypes associated with later-life anxiety-like behaviors. Behav Brain Res 2019; 373:112062. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2019.112062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Revised: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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11
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Badiani A, Caprioli D, De Pirro S. Opposite environmental gating of the experienced utility ('liking') and decision utility ('wanting') of heroin versus cocaine in animals and humans: implications for computational neuroscience. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2019; 236:2451-2471. [PMID: 31289884 PMCID: PMC6695361 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-019-05318-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 06/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In this paper, we reviewed translational studies concerned with environmental influences on the rewarding effects of heroin versus cocaine in rats and humans with substance use disorder. These studies show that both experienced utility ('liking') and decision utility ('wanting') of heroin and cocaine shift in opposite directions as a function of the setting in which these drugs were used. Briefly, rats and humans prefer using heroin at home but cocaine outside the home. These findings appear to challenge prevailing theories of drug reward, which focus on the notion of shared substrate of action for drug of abuse, and in particular on their shared ability to facilitate dopaminergic transmission. AIMS Thus, in the second part of the paper, we verified whether our findings could be accounted for by available computational models of reward. To account for our findings, a model must include a component that could mediate the substance-specific influence of setting on drug reward RESULTS: It appears of the extant models that none is fully compatible with the results of our studies. CONCLUSIONS We hope that this paper will serve as stimulus to design computational models more attuned to the complex mechanisms responsible for the rewarding effects of drugs in real-world contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aldo Badiani
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
- Sussex Addiction Research & Intervention Centre (SARIC) and School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK.
| | - Daniele Caprioli
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Santa Lucia Foundation (IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia), Rome, Italy
| | - Silvana De Pirro
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Sussex Addiction Research & Intervention Centre (SARIC) and School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK
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12
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The Impact of Ethologically Relevant Stressors on Adult Mammalian Neurogenesis. Brain Sci 2019; 9:brainsci9070158. [PMID: 31277460 PMCID: PMC6680763 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci9070158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Revised: 06/30/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Adult neurogenesis—the formation and functional integration of adult-generated neurons—remains a hot neuroscience topic. Decades of research have identified numerous endogenous (such as neurotransmitters and hormones) and exogenous (such as environmental enrichment and exercise) factors that regulate the various neurogenic stages. Stress, an exogenous factor, has received a lot of attention. Despite the large number of reviews discussing the impact of stress on adult neurogenesis, no systematic review on ethologically relevant stressors exists to date. The current review details the effects of conspecifically-induced psychosocial stress (specifically looking at the lack or disruption of social interactions and confrontation) as well as non-conspecifically-induced stress on mammalian adult neurogenesis. The underlying mechanisms, as well as the possible functional role of the altered neurogenesis level, are also discussed. The reviewed data suggest that ethologically relevant stressors reduce adult neurogenesis.
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13
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Mapping trait-like socio-affective phenotypes in rats through 50-kHz ultrasonic vocalizations. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2018; 235:83-98. [PMID: 28971233 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-017-4746-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2017] [Accepted: 09/19/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Fifty-kilohertz ultrasonic vocalizations (USV) in rats are believed to express inter-individual differences in trait-like positive affective phenotypes. Emission of 50-kHz USV can be induced by amphetamine (AMPH) to model mania-like positive affect, raising the possibility that predispositions for high 50-kHz USV production confer susceptibility to mania-like states. Such 50-kHz USV presumably express the sender's motivation for social contact and elicit social approach behavior in receivers. OBJECTIVES We recently showed that AMPH-induced 50-kHz USV are paralleled by mania-like patterns of enhanced social approach behavior towards playback of 50-kHz USV. Here, we assessed whether these AMPH effects are dependent on trait-like inter-individual differences in 50-kHz USV production. METHODS To this aim, we subdivided juvenile rats into those emitting low (LC) and high (HC) rates of baseline 50-kHz USV and compared them across four AMPH dosage conditions: 0.0, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.5 mg/kg. RESULTS HC rats were considerably more susceptible to AMPH in inducing 50-kHz USV than LC rats, consistently across all examined doses. They further appeared to attribute more incentive salience to signals of rewarding social contact, as evidenced by enhanced social approach behavior towards 50-kHz USV playback, a response pattern also seen in LC rats after receiving AMPH treatment. HC but not LC rats emitted aversive 22-kHz USV following 50-kHz USV playback, indicating increased proneness to experience negative affective states if no actual social consequence followed the incentive signal. CONCLUSION Inter-individual differences in 50-kHz USV map onto a unique trait-like socio-affective phenotype associated with enhanced emotional reactivity towards social and non-social reward, possibly conferring risk to mania-like states.
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Wöhr M, van Gaalen MM. Pharmacological Studies on the Role of Serotonin in Regulating Socioemotional Ultrasonic Vocalizations in Rats. HANDBOOK OF ULTRASONIC VOCALIZATION - A WINDOW INTO THE EMOTIONAL BRAIN 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-809600-0.00028-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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Ultrasonic communication in rats: appetitive 50-kHz ultrasonic vocalizations as social contact calls. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-017-2427-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Engelhardt KA, Schwarting RKW, Wöhr M. Mapping trait-like socio-affective phenotypes in rats through 50-kHz ultrasonic vocalizations. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2017. [PMID: 28971233 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-017-4746-y)] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Fifty-kilohertz ultrasonic vocalizations (USV) in rats are believed to express inter-individual differences in trait-like positive affective phenotypes. Emission of 50-kHz USV can be induced by amphetamine (AMPH) to model mania-like positive affect, raising the possibility that predispositions for high 50-kHz USV production confer susceptibility to mania-like states. Such 50-kHz USV presumably express the sender's motivation for social contact and elicit social approach behavior in receivers. OBJECTIVES We recently showed that AMPH-induced 50-kHz USV are paralleled by mania-like patterns of enhanced social approach behavior towards playback of 50-kHz USV. Here, we assessed whether these AMPH effects are dependent on trait-like inter-individual differences in 50-kHz USV production. METHODS To this aim, we subdivided juvenile rats into those emitting low (LC) and high (HC) rates of baseline 50-kHz USV and compared them across four AMPH dosage conditions: 0.0, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.5 mg/kg. RESULTS HC rats were considerably more susceptible to AMPH in inducing 50-kHz USV than LC rats, consistently across all examined doses. They further appeared to attribute more incentive salience to signals of rewarding social contact, as evidenced by enhanced social approach behavior towards 50-kHz USV playback, a response pattern also seen in LC rats after receiving AMPH treatment. HC but not LC rats emitted aversive 22-kHz USV following 50-kHz USV playback, indicating increased proneness to experience negative affective states if no actual social consequence followed the incentive signal. CONCLUSION Inter-individual differences in 50-kHz USV map onto a unique trait-like socio-affective phenotype associated with enhanced emotional reactivity towards social and non-social reward, possibly conferring risk to mania-like states.
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Affiliation(s)
- K -Alexander Engelhardt
- Behavioral Neuroscience, Experimental and Biological Psychology, Philipps-University of Marburg, Gutenbergstr. 18, 35032, Marburg, Germany
| | - Rainer K W Schwarting
- Behavioral Neuroscience, Experimental and Biological Psychology, Philipps-University of Marburg, Gutenbergstr. 18, 35032, Marburg, Germany
| | - Markus Wöhr
- Behavioral Neuroscience, Experimental and Biological Psychology, Philipps-University of Marburg, Gutenbergstr. 18, 35032, Marburg, Germany.
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LaFollette MR, O’Haire ME, Cloutier S, Blankenberger WB, Gaskill BN. Rat tickling: A systematic review of applications, outcomes, and moderators. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0175320. [PMID: 28384364 PMCID: PMC5383284 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0175320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2017] [Accepted: 03/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Rats initially fear humans which can increase stress and impact study results. Additionally, studying positive affective states in rats has proved challenging. Rat tickling is a promising habituation technique that can also be used to model and measure positive affect. However, current studies use a variety of methods to achieve differential results. Our objective was to systematically identify, summarize, and evaluate the research on tickling in rats to provide direction for future investigation. Our specific aims were to summarize current methods used in tickling experiments, outcomes from tickling, and moderating factors. Methods We systematically evaluated all articles about tickling identified from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and PsychInfo. Our inclusion criteria were publication in a peer-reviewed journal and collection of original, empirical data on rats using the handling method of tickling. One researcher extracted information from each article. Bias was assessed by 2 investigators using the SYRCLE bias assessment tool. Results We identified 32 articles (56 experiments) published in peer-reviewed journals about rat tickling for inclusion. A wide variety of strains, sexes, and ages of rats were included. The most common method used for tickling was cycling through 15 seconds of tickling and 15 seconds of rest for 2 minutes for 3 to 5 days. Experiments with a control for tickling (N = 22) showed that tickling increases positive vocalization, approach behavior, decreases anxiety measures, improves handling, and in some cases decreases stress hormones. Tickling juvenile, individually housed rats with a trait predisposition to respond more positively to tickling, results in the most positive outcomes. Methods to reduce bias were insufficiently reported. Conclusions We conclude that tickling is a promising method for improving rat welfare and investigating positive affect. However, the establishment of tickling best practices is essential as the outcomes from tickling can be moderated by several factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan R. LaFollette
- Department of Animal Sciences, Center for Animal Welfare Science, College of Agriculture, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Marguerite E. O’Haire
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, Center for the Human-Animal Bond, College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Sylvie Cloutier
- Canadian Council on Animal Care, Assessment and Accreditation Section, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Whitney B. Blankenberger
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Brianna N. Gaskill
- Department of Animal Sciences, Center for Animal Welfare Science, College of Agriculture, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States of America
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Panksepp J. The Psycho-Neurology of Cross-Species Affective/Social Neuroscience: Understanding Animal Affective States as a Guide to Development of Novel Psychiatric Treatments. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2017; 30:109-125. [PMID: 27696337 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2016_458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
During the past half century of research with preclinical animal models, affective neuroscience has helped identify and illuminate the functional neuroanatomies and neurochemistries of seven primary process, i.e., genetically provided emotional systems of mammalian brains. All are subcortically localized, allowing animal models to guide the needed behavioral and neuroscientific analyses at levels of detail that cannot be achieved through human research, including modern brain imaging. They consist of the following neuronal processes: SEEKING/Enthusiasm, RAGE/Anger, FEAR/Anxiety, sexual LUST/Passion, maternal CARE/Nurturance, separation-distress PANIC/Grief and PLAY/Social Joy. Several of these systems figure heavily in social bonding. I will focus here especially on the genesis of depression. Its genesis is significantly influenced by (i) sustained overactivity of the separation-distress PANIC system reflecting severed social bonds and the excessive "psychological pain" of loneliness that can, if sustained, lead to a downward cascade known as psychological despair, and (ii) the despair phase that follows the acute PANIC response, which is characterized by abnormally low activity of the SEEKING, the so-called brain reward networks, leading to amotivational states that characterize depression. Depressive affect is promoted by such brain affective mechanisms of social attachments and social loss as well as diminished arousability of the SEEKING system, leading to chronic dysphoria. To understand why depression feels so bad, we must understand the neural mechanisms that mediate such social feelings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaak Panksepp
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164-6351, USA.
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Rippberger H, van Gaalen MM, Schwarting RKW, Wohr M. Environmental and Pharmacological Modulation of Amphetamine- Induced 50-kHz Ultrasonic Vocalizations in Rats. Curr Neuropharmacol 2016; 13:220-32. [PMID: 26411764 PMCID: PMC4598433 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x1302150525124408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Rats emit high-frequency 50-kHz ultrasonic vocalizations (USV) in appetitive situations like social interactions. Drugs of abuse are probably the most potent non-social elicitors of 50-kHz USV, possibly reflecting their euphorigenic properties. Psychostimulants induce the strongest elevation in 50-kHz USV emission, particularly amphetamine (AMPH), either when applied systemically or locally into the nucleus accumbens (Nacc). Emission of AMPH-induced 50-kHz USV depends on test context, such as the presence of conspecifics, and can be manipulated pharmacologically by targeting major neurotransmitter systems, including dopamine (DA), noradrenaline (NA), and serotonin (5-HT), but also protein kinase C (PKC) signaling. Several D1 and D2 receptor antagonists, as well as typical and atypical antipsychotics block the AMPH-induced elevation in 50-kHz USV. Inhibiting D1 and D2 receptors in the Nacc abolishes AMPH-induced 50-kHz USV, indicating a key role for this brain area. NA neurotransmission also regulates AMPH-induced 50-kHz USV emission given that α1 receptor antagonists and α2 receptor agonists exert attenuating effects. Supporting the involvement of the 5-HT system, AMPH-induced 50-kHz USV are attenuated by 5-HT2C receptor activation, whereas 5-HT2C receptor antagonism leads to the opposite effect. Finally, treatment with lithium, tamoxifen, and myricitrin was all found to result in a complete abolishment of the AMPH-induced increase in 50-kHz USV, suggesting the involvement of PKC signaling. Neurotransmitter systems involved in AMPH-induced 50-kHz USV emission only partially overlap with other AMPH-induced behaviors like hyperlocomotion. The validity of AMPH-induced 50-kHz USV as a preclinical model for neuropsychiatric disorders is discussed, particularly with relevance to altered drive and mood seen in bipolar disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Markus Wohr
- Behavioral Neuroscience, Experimental and Biological Psychology, Philipps-University of Marburg, Gutenbergstr. 18, 35032 Marburg, Germany.
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Schriber RA, Guyer AE. Adolescent neurobiological susceptibility to social context. Dev Cogn Neurosci 2016; 19:1-18. [PMID: 26773514 PMCID: PMC4912893 DOI: 10.1016/j.dcn.2015.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2014] [Revised: 11/18/2015] [Accepted: 12/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Adolescence has been characterized as a period of heightened sensitivity to social contexts. However, adolescents vary in how their social contexts affect them. According to neurobiological susceptibility models, endogenous, biological factors confer some individuals, relative to others, with greater susceptibility to environmental influences, whereby more susceptible individuals fare the best or worst of all individuals, depending on the environment encountered (e.g., high vs. low parental warmth). Until recently, research guided by these theoretical frameworks has not incorporated direct measures of brain structure or function to index this sensitivity. Drawing on prevailing models of adolescent neurodevelopment and a growing number of neuroimaging studies on the interrelations among social contexts, the brain, and developmental outcomes, we review research that supports the idea of adolescent neurobiological susceptibility to social context for understanding why and how adolescents differ in development and well-being. We propose that adolescent development is shaped by brain-based individual differences in sensitivity to social contexts - be they positive or negative - such as those created through relationships with parents/caregivers and peers. Ultimately, we recommend that future research measure brain function and structure to operationalize susceptibility factors that moderate the influence of social contexts on developmental outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta A Schriber
- Center for Mind and Brain, University of California, Davis, California, United States.
| | - Amanda E Guyer
- Center for Mind and Brain, University of California, Davis, California, United States; Department of Human Ecology, University of California, Davis, California, United States.
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Dietz B, Manahan-Vaughan D. Hippocampal long-term depression is facilitated by the acquisition and updating of memory of spatial auditory content and requires mGlu5 activation. Neuropharmacology 2016; 115:30-41. [PMID: 27055771 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2016.02.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2015] [Revised: 01/22/2016] [Accepted: 02/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD) are key cellular processes that support memory formation. Whereas increases of synaptic strength by means of LTP may support the creation of a spatial memory 'engram', LTD appears to play an important role in refining and optimising experience-dependent encoding. A differentiation in the role of hippocampal subfields is apparent. For example, LTD in the dentate gyrus (DG) is enabled by novel learning about large visuospatial features, whereas in area CA1, it is enabled by learning about discrete aspects of spatial content, whereby, both discrete visuospatial and olfactospatial cues trigger LTD in CA1. Here, we explored to what extent local audiospatial cues facilitate information encoding in the form of LTD in these subfields. Coupling of low frequency afferent stimulation (LFS) with discretely localised, novel auditory tones in the sonic hearing, or ultrasonic range, facilitated short-term depression (STD) into LTD (>24 h) in CA1, but not DG. Re-exposure to the now familiar audiospatial configuration ca. 1 week later failed to enhance STD. Reconfiguration of the same audiospatial cues resulted anew in LTD when ultrasound, but not non-ultrasound cues were used. LTD facilitation that was triggered by novel exposure to spatially arranged tones, or to spatial reconfiguration of the same tones were both prevented by an antagonism of the metabotropic glutamate receptor, mGlu5. These data indicate that, if behaviourally salient enough, the hippocampus can use audiospatial cues to facilitate LTD that contributes to the encoding and updating of spatial representations. Effects are subfield-specific, and require mGlu5 activation, as is the case for visuospatial information processing. These data reinforce the likelihood that LTD supports the encoding of spatial features, and that this occurs in a qualitative and subfield-specific manner. They also support that mGlu5 is essential for synaptic encoding of spatial experience. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors, 5 years on'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birte Dietz
- Department of Neurophysiology, Medical Faculty, Ruhr University Bochum, 44780, Bochum, Germany; International Graduate School of Neuroscience, Ruhr University Bochum, 44780, Bochum, Germany
| | - Denise Manahan-Vaughan
- Department of Neurophysiology, Medical Faculty, Ruhr University Bochum, 44780, Bochum, Germany; International Graduate School of Neuroscience, Ruhr University Bochum, 44780, Bochum, Germany.
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Kõiv K, Metelitsa M, Vares M, Tiitsaar K, Raudkivi K, Jaako K, Vulla K, Shimmo R, Harro J. Chronic variable stress prevents amphetamine-elicited 50-kHz calls in rats with low positive affectivity. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2016; 26:631-43. [PMID: 26951611 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2016.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2015] [Revised: 01/21/2016] [Accepted: 02/20/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The relationship between stress response and positive affective states is thought to be bidirectional: whilst stress can lead to a blunted hedonic response, positive affect reduces the negative effects of stress. We have previously shown that persistently high positive affectivity as measured by 50-kHz ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) is protective against chronic variable stress (CVS). The present study examined the effect of CVS on 50-kHz USVs elicited by amphetamine administration, simultaneously considering the stable inter-individual differences in positive affectivity. Forty juvenile male Wistar rats were categorised as of high (HC) or low (LC) positive affectivity based on their 50-kHz USV response to imitation of rough-and-tumble play ('tickling'). As adults, the rats were subjected to four weeks of CVS, after which D-amphetamine was administered in five daily doses followed by a challenge dose (all 1mg/kg IP) nine days later. CVS reduced sucrose preference in LC-rats only. After CVS, amphetamine-elicited 50-kHz USVs were significantly reduced in LC-rats, the effect of stress in HC-rats being smaller and less consistent. In previously stressed and amphetamine-treated LC-rats, locomotor response to amphetamine was attenuated. In stressed LC-rats, DOPAC levels and dopamine turnover were increased in striatum after amphetamine treatment, and dopamine D1 receptor levels were upregulated in nucleus accumbens. LC-rats had lower isoleucine levels in frontal cortex. These results show that stress-related changes in response to amphetamine are dependent on inter-individual differences in positive affectivity both at neurochemical and behavioural levels, and further support the notion of higher vulnerability of animals with low positive affect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kadri Kõiv
- Division of Neuropsychopharmacology, Department of Psychology, Estonian Centre of Behavioural and Health Sciences, University of Tartu, Ravila 14 A, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Mait Metelitsa
- Division of Neuropsychopharmacology, Department of Psychology, Estonian Centre of Behavioural and Health Sciences, University of Tartu, Ravila 14 A, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Marten Vares
- Division of Neuropsychopharmacology, Department of Psychology, Estonian Centre of Behavioural and Health Sciences, University of Tartu, Ravila 14 A, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Kai Tiitsaar
- Division of Neuropsychopharmacology, Department of Psychology, Estonian Centre of Behavioural and Health Sciences, University of Tartu, Ravila 14 A, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Karita Raudkivi
- Division of Neuropsychopharmacology, Department of Psychology, Estonian Centre of Behavioural and Health Sciences, University of Tartu, Ravila 14 A, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Külli Jaako
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Ravila 19, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Kaspar Vulla
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Natural Sciences and Health, Tallinn University, Narva 29, 10120 Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Ruth Shimmo
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Natural Sciences and Health, Tallinn University, Narva 29, 10120 Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Jaanus Harro
- Division of Neuropsychopharmacology, Department of Psychology, Estonian Centre of Behavioural and Health Sciences, University of Tartu, Ravila 14 A, 50411 Tartu, Estonia.
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Avvisati R, Contu L, Stendardo E, Michetti C, Montanari C, Scattoni ML, Badiani A. Ultrasonic vocalization in rats self-administering heroin and cocaine in different settings: evidence of substance-specific interactions between drug and setting. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2016; 233:1501-11. [PMID: 26960696 PMCID: PMC4819852 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-016-4247-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2015] [Accepted: 02/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Clinical and preclinical evidence indicates that the setting of drug use affects drug reward in a substance-specific manner. Heroin and cocaine co-abusers, for example, indicated distinct settings for the two drugs: heroin being used preferentially at home and cocaine preferentially outside the home. Similar results were obtained in rats that were given the opportunity to self-administer intravenously both heroin and cocaine. OBJECTIVES The goal of the present study was to investigate the possibility that the positive affective state induced by cocaine is enhanced when the drug is taken at home relative to a non-home environment, and vice versa for heroin. METHODS To test this hypothesis, we trained male rats to self-administer both heroin and cocaine on alternate days and simultaneously recorded the emission of ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs), as it has been reported that rats emit 50-kHz USVs when exposed to rewarding stimuli, suggesting that these USVs reflect positive affective states. RESULTS We found that Non-Resident rats emitted more 50-kHz USVs when they self-administered cocaine than when self-administered heroin whereas Resident rats emitted more 50-kHz USVs when self-administering heroin than when self-administering cocaine. Differences in USVs in Non-Resident rats were more pronounced during the first self-administration (SA) session, when the SA chambers were completely novel to them. In contrast, the differences in USVs in Resident rats were more pronounced during the last SA sessions. CONCLUSION These findings indicate that the setting of drug taking exerts a substance-specific influence on the ability of drugs to induce positive affective states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Avvisati
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "Vittorio Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Contu
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "Vittorio Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Emiliana Stendardo
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "Vittorio Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Christian Montanari
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "Vittorio Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Aldo Badiani
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "Vittorio Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
- Sussex Addiction Research and Intervention Centre (SARIC), School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK.
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Individual differences in anticipatory activity to food rewards predict cue-induced appetitive 50-kHz calls in rats. Physiol Behav 2015; 149:107-18. [DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2015.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2014] [Revised: 05/13/2015] [Accepted: 05/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Brenes JC, Lackinger M, Höglinger GU, Schratt G, Schwarting RKW, Wöhr M. Differential effects of social and physical environmental enrichment on brain plasticity, cognition, and ultrasonic communication in rats. J Comp Neurol 2015; 524:1586-607. [PMID: 26132842 DOI: 10.1002/cne.23842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2014] [Revised: 06/23/2015] [Accepted: 06/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Environmental enrichment (EE) exerts beneficial effects on brain plasticity, cognition, and anxiety/depression, leading to a brain that can counteract deficits underlying various brain disorders. Because the complexity of the EE commonly used makes it difficult to identify causal aspects, we examined possible factors using a 2 × 2 design with social EE (two vs. six rats) and physical EE (physically enriched vs. nonenriched). For the first time, we demonstrate that social and physical EE have differential effects on brain plasticity, cognition, and ultrasonic communication. Expectedly, physical EE promoted neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampal formation, but not in the subventricular zone, and, as a novel finding, affected microRNA expression levels, with the activity-dependent miR-124 and miR-132 being upregulated. Concomitant improvements in cognition were observed, yet social deficits were seen in the emission of prosocial 50-kHz ultrasonic vocalizations (USV) paralleled by a lack of social approach in response to them, consistent with the intense world syndrome/theory of autism. In contrast, social EE had only minor effects on brain plasticity and cognition, but led to increased prosocial 50-kHz USV emission rates and enhanced social approach behavior. Importantly, social deficits following physical EE were prevented by additional social EE. The finding that social EE has positive whereas physical EE has negative effects on social behavior indicates that preclinical studies focusing on EE as a potential treatment in models for neuropsychiatric disorders characterized by social deficits, such as autism, should include social EE in addition to physical EE, because its lack might worsen social deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan C Brenes
- Behavioral Neuroscience, Experimental and Biological Psychology, Philipps-University of Marburg, 35032, Marburg, Germany.,Institute for Psychological Research, University of Costa Rica, Rodrigo Facio Campus, 2060, San Pedro, Costa Rica.,Neuroscience Research Center, University of Costa Rica, Rodrigo Facio Campus, 2060, San Pedro, Costa Rica
| | - Martin Lackinger
- Biochemical and Pharmacological Center, Institute of Physiological Chemistry, Philipps-University of Marburg, 35032, Marburg, Germany
| | - Günter U Höglinger
- Technical University München & German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) München Department for Translational Neurodegeneration, 81377, München, Germany
| | - Gerhard Schratt
- Biochemical and Pharmacological Center, Institute of Physiological Chemistry, Philipps-University of Marburg, 35032, Marburg, Germany
| | - Rainer K W Schwarting
- Behavioral Neuroscience, Experimental and Biological Psychology, Philipps-University of Marburg, 35032, Marburg, Germany
| | - Markus Wöhr
- Behavioral Neuroscience, Experimental and Biological Psychology, Philipps-University of Marburg, 35032, Marburg, Germany
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Heyse NC, Brenes JC, Schwarting RK. Exercise reward induces appetitive 50-kHz calls in rats. Physiol Behav 2015; 147:131-40. [DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2015.04.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2015] [Revised: 04/08/2015] [Accepted: 04/10/2015] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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Kisko TM, Himmler BT, Himmler SM, Euston DR, Pellis SM. Are 50-kHz calls used as play signals in the playful interactions of rats? II. Evidence from the effects of devocalization. Behav Processes 2014; 111:25-33. [PMID: 25447515 DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2014.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2014] [Revised: 10/13/2014] [Accepted: 11/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
During playful interactions, juvenile rats emit many 50-kHz ultrasonic vocalizations, which are associated with a positive affective state. In addition, these calls may also serve a communicative role - as play signals that promote playful contact. Consistent with this hypothesis, a previous study found that vocalizations are more frequent prior to playful contact than after contact is terminated. The present study uses devocalized rats to test three predictions arising from the play signals hypothesis. First, if vocalizations are used to facilitate contact, then in pairs of rats in which one is devocalized, the higher frequency of pre-contact calling should only be present when the intact rat is initiating the approach. Second, when both partners in a playing pair are devocalized, the frequency of play should be reduced and the typical pattern of playful wrestling disrupted. Finally, when given a choice to play with a vocal and a non-vocal partner, rats should prefer to play with the one able to vocalize. The second prediction was supported in that the frequency of playful interactions as well as some typical patterns of play was disrupted. Even though the data for the other two predictions did not produce the expected findings, they support the conclusion that, in rats, 50-kHz calls are likely to function to maintain a playful mood and for them to signal to one another during play fighting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa M Kisko
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada.
| | - Brett T Himmler
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
| | - Stephanie M Himmler
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
| | - David R Euston
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
| | - Sergio M Pellis
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
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Trait positive affect is associated with hippocampal volume and change in caudate volume across adolescence. COGNITIVE AFFECTIVE & BEHAVIORAL NEUROSCIENCE 2014; 15:80-94. [DOI: 10.3758/s13415-014-0319-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Taracha E, Kaniuga E, Chrapusta SJ, Maciejak P, Śliwa L, Hamed A, Krząścik P. Diverging frequency-modulated 50-kHz vocalization, locomotor activity and conditioned place preference effects in rats given repeated amphetamine treatment. Neuropharmacology 2014; 83:128-36. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2014.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2014] [Revised: 04/07/2014] [Accepted: 04/09/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Pro-social ultrasonic communication in rats: insights from playback studies. J Neurosci Methods 2014; 234:73-81. [PMID: 24508146 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2014.01.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2013] [Revised: 01/13/2014] [Accepted: 01/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Rodent ultrasonic vocalizations (USV) serve as situation-dependent affective signals and convey important communicative functions. In the rat, three major USV types exist: (I) 40-kHz USV, which are emitted by pups during social isolation; (II) 22-kHz USV, which are produced by juvenile and adult rats in aversive situations, including social defeat; and (III) 50-kHz USV, which are uttered by juvenile and adult rats in appetitive situations, including rough-and-tumble play. Here, evidence for a communicative function of 50-kHz USV is reviewed, focusing on findings obtained in the recently developed 50-kHz USV radial maze playback paradigm. Up to now, the following five acoustic stimuli were tested in this paradigm: (A) natural 50-kHz USV, (B) natural 22-kHz USV, (C) artificial 50-kHz sine wave tones, (D) artificial time- and amplitude-matched white noise, and (E) background noise. All studies using the 50-kHz USV radial maze playback paradigm indicate that 50-kHz USV serve a pro-social affiliative function as social contact calls. While playback of the different kinds of acoustic stimuli used so far elicited distinct behavioral response patterns, 50-kHz USV consistently led to social approach behavior in the recipient, indicating that pro-social ultrasonic communication can be studied in a reliable and highly standardized manner by means of the 50-kHz USV radial maze playback paradigm. This appears to be particularly relevant for rodent models of neurodevelopmental disorders, as there is a tremendous need for reliable behavioral assays with face validity to social communication deficits seen in autism and schizophrenia in order to study underlying genetic and neurobiological alterations.
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Panksepp J, Yovell Y. Preclinical modeling of primal emotional affects (Seeking, Panic and Play): gateways to the development of new treatments for depression. Psychopathology 2014; 47:383-93. [PMID: 25341411 DOI: 10.1159/000366208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2014] [Accepted: 07/31/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian brains contain at least 7 primal emotional systems--Seeking, Rage, Fear, Lust, Care, Panic and Play (capitalization reflects a proposed primary-process terminology, to minimize semantic confusions and mereological fallacies). These systems help organisms feel affectively balanced (e.g. euthymic) and unbalanced (e.g. depressive, irritable, manic), providing novel insights for understanding human psychopathologies. Three systems are especially important for understanding depression: The separation distress (Panic) system mediates the psychic pain of separation distress (i.e. excessive sadness and grief), which can be counteracted by minimizing Panic arousals (as with low-dose opioids). Depressive dysphoria also arises from reduced brain reward-seeking and related play urges (namely diminished enthusiasm (Seeking) and joyful exuberance (Play) which promote sustained amotivational states). We describe how an understanding of these fundamental emotional circuits can promote the development of novel antidepressive therapeutics--(i) low-dose buprenorphine to counteract depression and suicidal ideation emanating from too much psychic pain (Panic overarousal), (ii) direct stimulation of the Seeking system to counteract amotivational dysphoria, and (iii) the discovery and initial clinical testing of social-joy-promoting molecules derived from the analysis of the Play system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaak Panksepp
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, Wash., USA
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Ahrens AM, Nobile CW, Page LE, Maier EY, Duvauchelle CL, Schallert T. Individual differences in the conditioned and unconditioned rat 50-kHz ultrasonic vocalizations elicited by repeated amphetamine exposure. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2013; 229:687-700. [PMID: 23700082 PMCID: PMC3935796 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-013-3130-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2012] [Accepted: 04/22/2013] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Adult rats often produce 50-kHz ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs), particularly the frequency-modulated varieties, in appetitive situations. These calls are thought by some to reflect positive affective states and the reinforcing value of drugs such as amphetamine and cocaine. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to determine whether the number of unconditioned 50-kHz USVs elicited by amphetamine predicts the development and/or magnitude of drug-conditioned motivation. METHODS In three experiments, we recorded USVs before and after injections of 1 mg/kg amphetamine (i.v. or i.p.) administered once per session. Rats were categorized as "high callers" or "low callers" according to individual differences in the number of 50-kHz USVs elicited by their first amphetamine injection. We examined the conditioned appetitive behavior and conditioned place preference (CPP) that emerged in high and low callers after repeated pairings of amphetamine with specific contexts. We also examined whether amphetamine-induced calling was affected by treatment within an unfamiliar (test chamber) versus familiar (home cage) context. RESULTS Within an unfamiliar environment, the high callers consistently produced more amphetamine-induced 50-kHz USVs than the low callers. Compared to the low callers, high callers showed significantly greater amphetamine CPP as well as enhanced conditioned 50-kHz USVs and locomotor activity during anticipation of amphetamine. Individual differences were stable when amphetamine was administered in test chambers, but when it was administered in home cages, low callers showed an increase in 50-kHz calling that matched the high callers. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that individual differences in drug-induced USVs can reveal environment-sensitive traits involved in drug-related appetitive motivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison M. Ahrens
- Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA; Department of Psychology, University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Cameron W. Nobile
- Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Lindsay E. Page
- Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Esther Y. Maier
- College of Pharmacy, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | | | - Timothy Schallert
- Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA; Department of Psychology, University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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Testing social acoustic memory in rats: effects of stimulus configuration and long-term memory on the induction of social approach behavior by appetitive 50-kHz ultrasonic vocalizations. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2012; 98:154-64. [PMID: 22677211 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2012.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2012] [Revised: 05/18/2012] [Accepted: 05/23/2012] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Rats emit distinct types of ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs), which serve as situation-dependent affective signals. In appetitive situations, such as rough-and-tumble-play, high-frequency 50-kHz USVs occur, whereas low-frequency 22-kHz USVs can be observed in aversive situations, such as social defeat. USVs serve distinct communicative functions and induce call-specific behavioral responses in the receiver. While aversive 22-kHz USVs serve as alarm calls and induce behavioral inhibition, appetitive 50-kHz USVs have a pro-social communicative function and elicit social approach behavior, supporting the notion that they serve as social contact calls to (re)establish or maintain contact among conspecifics. The aim of the present study was to use the rat's ability to communicate in the ultrasonic range via high-frequency 50-kHz USVs in order to develop a test for social acoustic memory in rats with relevance for human verbal memory. Verbal learning and memory is among the seven cognitive domains identified as commonly deficient in human schizophrenia patients, but particularly difficult to model. We therefore tested whether the induction of social approach behavior by playback of appetitive 50-kHz USVs is dependent on (1) acoustic stimulus configuration and (2) social long-term memory, and whether (3) social long-term memory effects can be blocked by the administration of scopolamine, a muscarinic acetylcholine antagonist producing amnesia. Results show that social approach behavior in response to playback of natural 50-kHz USVs depends on acoustic stimulus configuration and occurs only when sound energy is concentrated to a critical frequency band in the ultrasonic range. Social approach behavior was detected during the first exposure to playback of 50-kHz USVs, whereas no such response was observed during the second exposure 1week later, indicating a stable memory trace. In contrast, when memory formation was blocked by i.p. administration of scopolamine (0.5mg/kg or 1.5mg/kg) immediately after the first exposure, rats displayed social approach behavior during the second exposure as well. Induction of social approach behavior in response to repeated playback of natural 50-kHz USVs may therefore provide a new and rather unique approach for testing social acoustic memory in rats with relevance to human verbal memory.
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50-kHz calls in rats: Effects of MDMA and the 5-HT1A receptor agonist 8-OH-DPAT. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2012; 101:258-64. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2012.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2011] [Revised: 01/10/2012] [Accepted: 01/14/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Schwarting RKW, Wöhr M. On the relationships between ultrasonic calling and anxiety-related behavior in rats. Braz J Med Biol Res 2012; 45:337-48. [PMID: 22437483 PMCID: PMC3854164 DOI: 10.1590/s0100-879x2012007500038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2011] [Accepted: 03/08/2012] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In the present review, the phenomenon of ultrasonic vocalization in rats will be outlined, including the three classes of vocalizations, namely 40-kHz calls of pups, and 22- and 50-kHz calls of juvenile and adult rats, their general relevance to behavioral neuroscience, and their special relevance to research on anxiety, fear, and defense mechanisms. Here, the emphasis will be placed on 40- and 22-kHz calls, since they are typical for various situations with aversive properties. Among other topics, we will discuss whether such behavioral signals can index a certain affective state, and how these signals can be used in social neuroscience, especially with respect to communication. Furthermore, we will address the phenomenon of inter-individual variability in ultrasonic calling and what we currently know about the mechanisms, which may determine such variability. Finally, we will address the current knowledge on the neural and pharmacological mechanisms underlying 22-kHz ultrasonic vocalization, which show a substantial overlap with mechanisms known from other research on fear and anxiety, such as those involving the periaqueductal gray or the amygdala.
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Affiliation(s)
- R K W Schwarting
- Experimental and Physiological Psychology, Philipps-University of Marburg, Germany.
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α- and β-Adrenergic receptors differentially modulate the emission of spontaneous and amphetamine-induced 50-kHz ultrasonic vocalizations in adult rats. Neuropsychopharmacology 2012; 37:808-21. [PMID: 22030713 PMCID: PMC3260979 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2011.258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Amphetamine (AMPH) increases adult rat 50-kHz ultrasonic vocalizations, preferentially promoting frequency-modulated (FM) calls that have been proposed to reflect positive affect. The main objective of this study was to investigate a possible noradrenergic contribution to AMPH-induced calling. Adult male Long-Evans rats were tested with AMPH (1 mg/kg intraperitoneal) or saline combined with various systemic pretreatments: clonidine (α2 adrenergic agonist), prazosin (α1 antagonist), atipamezole (α2 antagonist), propranolol, betaxolol, and/or ICI 118,551 (β1/β2, β1, and β2 antagonists, respectively), nadolol (β1/β2 antagonist, peripheral only), or NAD-299 (5HT(1A) antagonist). In addition, effects of cirazoline (α1 adrenergic agonist) and cocaine (0.25-1.5 mg/kg intravenous) were studied alone. AMPH-induced calling was suppressed by low-dose clonidine and prazosin. Cirazoline and atipamezole did not significantly affect calling rate. Propranolol, without affecting the call rate, dose dependently promoted 'flat' calls under AMPH while suppressing 'trills,' thus reversing the effects of AMPH on the 'call subtype profile.' This effect of propranolol seemed to be mediated by simultaneous inhibition of CNS β1 and β2 rather than by 5HT(1A) receptors. Finally, cocaine elicited fewer calls than did AMPH, but produced the same shift in the call subtype profile. Taken together, these results reveal differential drug effects on flat vs trill vs other FM 50-kHz calls. These findings highlight the value of detailed call subtype analyses, and show that 50-kHz calls are associated with adrenergic α1- and β-receptor mechanisms. These preclinical findings suggest that noradrenergic contributions to psychostimulant subjective effects may warrant further investigation.
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Wright JS, Panksepp J. An Evolutionary Framework to Understand Foraging, Wanting, and Desire: The Neuropsychology of the SEEKING System. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012. [DOI: 10.1080/15294145.2012.10773683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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Yamamuro T, Senzaki K, Iwamoto S, Nakagawa Y, Hayashi T, Hori M, Sakamoto S, Murakami K, Shiga T, Urayama O. Neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus of the rat hippocampus enhanced by tickling stimulation with positive emotion. Neurosci Res 2010; 68:285-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2010.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2010] [Revised: 08/23/2010] [Accepted: 09/06/2010] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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40
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Using bedding in a test environment critically affects 50-kHz ultrasonic vocalizations in laboratory rats. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2010; 96:251-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2010.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2010] [Revised: 04/22/2010] [Accepted: 05/12/2010] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Wright JM, Gourdon JC, Clarke PBS. Identification of multiple call categories within the rich repertoire of adult rat 50-kHz ultrasonic vocalizations: effects of amphetamine and social context. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2010; 211:1-13. [PMID: 20443111 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-010-1859-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 235] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2010] [Accepted: 04/01/2010] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE 50-kHz ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) emitted by adult rats are heterogeneous; they occur over a wide frequency range, show varying degrees of frequency modulation, and appear to differ in their behavioral significance. However, they have not been extensively categorized. OBJECTIVES The main objective of this study was to identify subtypes of 50-kHz USVs emitted by adult rats and to determine how amphetamine (AMPH) or social testing condition affects their relative and absolute production rate and acoustic characteristics. A second objective was to determine the extent of individual differences in call rate, call subtype profile, and acoustic parameters (i.e., duration, bandwidth, and mean peak frequency). METHODS Adult male Long-Evans rats were administered systemic amphetamine (0.25-2 mg/kg, IP) and tested individually or with a cage mate for 20 min. Call categories were defined based on visual inspection of over 20,000 USV spectrograms. Surgical devocalization was performed on a subset of AMPH-tested rats in order to confirm the authenticity of call subtypes. RESULTS Fourteen categories of 50-kHz USVs were recognized. Call subtypes were differentially affected by social context, AMPH dose, and time within session. In contrast, the acoustic characteristics of call subtypes were notably stable. Marked and stable inter-individual differences occurred with respect to overall 50-kHz call rate, acoustic parameters, and call profile. CONCLUSIONS The present findings, obtained under saline and amphetamine test conditions, provide the first detailed classification of adult rat 50-kHz USVs. Consideration of 50-kHz USV subtypes may advance our understanding of inter-rat communication and affective state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer M Wright
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, 3655 Promenade Sir William Osler, Montreal, QC, H3G 1Y6, Canada
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Burgdorf J, Kroes RA, Beinfeld MC, Panksepp J, Moskal JR. Uncovering the molecular basis of positive affect using rough-and-tumble play in rats: a role for insulin-like growth factor I. Neuroscience 2010; 168:769-77. [PMID: 20350589 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2010.03.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2009] [Revised: 03/19/2010] [Accepted: 03/19/2010] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Positive emotional states have been shown to confer resilience to depression and anxiety in humans, but the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects have not yet been elucidated. In laboratory rats, positive emotional states can be measured by 50-kHz ultrasonic vocalizations (hedonic USVs), which are maximally elicited by juvenile rough-and-tumble play behavior. Using a focused microarray platform, insulin-like growth factor I (IGFI) extracellular signaling genes were found to be upregulated by hedonic rough-and-tumble play but not depressogenic social defeat. Administration of IGFI into the lateral ventricle increased rates of hedonic USVs in an IGFI receptor (IGFIR)-dependent manner. Lateral ventricle infusions of an siRNA specific to the IGFIR decreased rates of hedonic 50-kHz USVs. These results show that IGFI plays a functional role in the generation of positive affective states and that IGFI-dependent signaling is a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of depression and anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Burgdorf
- Falk Center for Molecular Therapeutics, Department of Biomedical Engineering, McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60201, USA
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