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Schwarting RKW, Wöhr M, Engler H, Sungur AÖ, Schedlowski M. Behaviorally conditioned effects of psychoactive drugs in experimental animals: What we have learned from nearly a century of research and what remains to be learned. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 162:105721. [PMID: 38754716 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105721] [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: 03/09/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Continuous treatment with drugs is a crucial requirement for managing various clinical conditions, including chronic pain and neuropsychiatric disorders such as depression or schizophrenia. Associative learning processes, i.e. Pavlovian conditioning, can play an important role for the effects of drugs and could open new avenues for optimizing patient treatment. In this narrative literature review, we summarize available data in experimental animals regarding the behaviorally conditioned effects of psychostimulants such as d-amphetamine and cocaine, the dopamine receptor agonist apomorphine, the dopamine receptor antagonist haloperidol, morphine and antidepressant drugs. In each section, the drug under discussion is briefly introduced, followed by a detailed examination of conditioning features, including doses and dosing regimens, characteristics of the conditioning process such as test environments or specific conditioned stimuli, testing and conditioned response characteristics, possible extinction or reconditioning or reversal training, neural mechanisms, and finally, the potential clinical relevance of the research area related to the drug. We focus on key outcomes, delve into methodical issues, identify gaps in current knowledge, and suggest future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rainer K W Schwarting
- Philipps-University of Marburg, Faculty of Psychology, Experimental and Biological Psychology, Behavioral Neuroscience, Marburg D-35032, Germany; Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior, Marburg D-35032, Germany
| | - Markus Wöhr
- Philipps-University of Marburg, Faculty of Psychology, Experimental and Biological Psychology, Behavioral Neuroscience, Marburg D-35032, Germany; Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior, Marburg D-35032, Germany; KU Leuven, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Research Unit Brain and Cognition, Laboratory of Biological Psychology, Social and Affective Neuroscience Research Group, Leuven B-3000, Belgium; KU Leuven, Leuven Brain Institute, Leuven B-3000, Belgium
| | - Harald Engler
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Behavioral Immunobiology, Center for Translational Neuro-, and Behavioral Sciences, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen D-45147, Germany
| | - A Özge Sungur
- Philipps-University of Marburg, Faculty of Psychology, Experimental and Biological Psychology, Behavioral Neuroscience, Marburg D-35032, Germany; Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior, Marburg D-35032, Germany; KU Leuven, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Research Unit Brain and Cognition, Laboratory of Biological Psychology, Social and Affective Neuroscience Research Group, Leuven B-3000, Belgium; KU Leuven, Leuven Brain Institute, Leuven B-3000, Belgium
| | - Manfred Schedlowski
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Behavioral Immunobiology, Center for Translational Neuro-, and Behavioral Sciences, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen D-45147, Germany; Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 171 77, Sweden
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Abbasi N, Mirabzadeh Y, Khesali G, Ebrahimkhani Z, Karimi H, Vaseghi S. Chronic REM sleep deprivation leads to manic- and OCD-related behaviors, and decreases hippocampal BDNF expression in female rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2024; 241:1345-1363. [PMID: 38430395 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-024-06566-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rapid-eye movement (REM) sleep deprivation (SD) can induce manic-like behaviors in rodents. On the other hand, lithium, as one of the oldest drugs used in neuropsychiatric disorders, is still one of the best drugs for the treatment and control of bipolar disorder. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of chronic short-term REM SD in the induction of manic-like behaviors in female rats. METHODS The rats were exposed to REM SD for 14 days (6 hours/day). Lithium was intraperitoneally injected at the doses of 10, 50, and 100 mg/kg. RESULTS REM SD induced hyperactivity and OCD-like behavior, and decreased anxiety, depressive-like behavior, and pain subthreshold. REM SD also impaired passive avoidance memory and decreased hippocampal brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression level. Lithium at the doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg partly and completely abolished these effects, respectively. However, lithium (100 mg/kg) increased BDNF expression level in control and sham REM SD rats with no significant changes in behavior. CONCLUSIONS Chronic short-term REM SD may induce a mania-like model and lead to OCD-like behavior and irritability. In the present study, we demonstrated a putative rodent model of mania induced by chronic REM SD in female rats. We suggest that future studies should examine behavioral and mood changes following chronic REM SD in both sexes. Furthermore, the relationship between manic-like behaviors and chronic REM SD should be investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nahal Abbasi
- Department of Health Psychology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Karaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Iran
| | - Yasaman Mirabzadeh
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics (IBB), University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Golnaz Khesali
- Cognitive Neuroscience Lab, Medicinal Plants Research Center, Institute of Medicinal Plants, ACECR, Karaj, Iran
| | - Zahra Ebrahimkhani
- Cognitive Neuroscience Lab, Medicinal Plants Research Center, Institute of Medicinal Plants, ACECR, Karaj, Iran
| | - Hanie Karimi
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Salar Vaseghi
- Cognitive Neuroscience Lab, Medicinal Plants Research Center, Institute of Medicinal Plants, ACECR, Karaj, Iran.
- Medicinal Plants Research Center, Institute of Medicinal Plants, ACECR, Karaj, Iran.
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Willadsen M, Schwarting RKW, Wöhr M. Acute anxiogenic effects of escitalopram are associated with mild alterations in D-amphetamine-induced behavior and social approach evoked by playback of 50-kHz ultrasonic vocalizations in rats. Neuropharmacology 2023; 241:109734. [PMID: 37813275 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2023.109734] [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: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
Rats communicate through auditory signals in the ultrasonic range, so-called ultrasonic vocalizations (USV). Short, high-frequency 50-kHz USV are associated with positive affective states and are emitted in appetitive situations, often rewarding social interactions, such as rough-and-tumble play and mating. Exaggerated levels of 50-kHz USV emission can be observed in response to psychostimulants, most notably d-amphetamine (AMPH). There is robust evidence suggesting that 50-kHz USV serve as affiliative signals and help to maintain or re-establish social proximity. A key neurotransmitter involved in behavioral regulation is serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT). This includes both, the regulation of anxiety-related behavior and ultrasonic communication. Here, we show that acute treatment with the selective 5-HT reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) escitalopram (ESC) leads to increased anxiety-related behavior in the elevated plus maze and tested whether such acute anxiogenic effects of ESC result in alterations in ultrasonic communication in sender and/or receiver. To this aim, we conducted a dose-response study in male rats and assessed AMPH-induced hyperactivity and 50-kHz ultrasonic calling in the sender and social approach behavior evoked by playback of pro-social 50-kHz USV in the receiver. Acute ESC treatment affected both, sender and receiver. This was reflected in a lack of AMPH-induced changes in acoustic features of 50-kHz USV and absence of social exploratory behavior evoked by 50-kHz USV playback, respectively. Albeit the SSRI effects were relatively mild, this supports the notion that the 5-HT system is involved in the regulation of a key aspect of the social behavior repertoire of rodents, namely socio-affective communication through 50-kHz USV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Willadsen
- Philipps-University of Marburg, Faculty of Psychology, Experimental and Biological Psychology, Behavioral Neuroscience, D-35032, Marburg, Germany; Philipps-University of Marburg, Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior, D-35032, Marburg, Germany
| | - Rainer K W Schwarting
- Philipps-University of Marburg, Faculty of Psychology, Experimental and Biological Psychology, Behavioral Neuroscience, D-35032, Marburg, Germany; Philipps-University of Marburg, Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior, D-35032, Marburg, Germany
| | - Markus Wöhr
- Philipps-University of Marburg, Faculty of Psychology, Experimental and Biological Psychology, Behavioral Neuroscience, D-35032, Marburg, Germany; Philipps-University of Marburg, Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior, D-35032, Marburg, Germany; KU Leuven, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Research Unit Brain and Cognition, Laboratory of Biological Psychology, Social and Affective Neuroscience Research Group, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium; KU Leuven, Leuven Brain Institute, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium.
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Reinhardt PR, Theis CDC, Juckel G, Freund N. Rodent models for mood disorders - understanding molecular changes by investigating social behavior. Biol Chem 2023; 404:939-950. [PMID: 37632729 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2023-0190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023]
Abstract
Mood disorders, including depressive and bipolar disorders, are the group of psychiatric disorders with the highest prevalence and disease burden. However, their pathophysiology remains poorly understood. Animal models are an extremely useful tool for the investigation of molecular mechanisms underlying these disorders. For psychiatric symptom assessment in animals, a meaningful behavioral phenotype is needed. Social behaviors constitute naturally occurring complex behaviors in rodents and can therefore serve as such a phenotype, contributing to insights into disorder related molecular changes. In this narrative review, we give a fundamental overview of social behaviors in laboratory rodents, as well as their underlying neuronal mechanisms and their assessment. Relevant behavioral and molecular changes in models for mood disorders are presented and an outlook on promising future directions is given.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick R Reinhardt
- Division of Experimental and Molecular Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Preventive Medicine, LWL-University Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, D-44791 Bochum, Germany
- International Graduate School of Neuroscience, Ruhr-University Bochum, D-44801 Bochum, Germany
| | - Candy D C Theis
- Division of Experimental and Molecular Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Preventive Medicine, LWL-University Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, D-44791 Bochum, Germany
| | - Georg Juckel
- Division of Experimental and Molecular Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Preventive Medicine, LWL-University Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, D-44791 Bochum, Germany
| | - Nadja Freund
- Division of Experimental and Molecular Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Preventive Medicine, LWL-University Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, D-44791 Bochum, Germany
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Schwarting RKW. Behavioral analysis in laboratory rats: Challenges and usefulness of 50-kHz ultrasonic vocalizations. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 152:105260. [PMID: 37268181 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Many rodent species emit and detect vocalizations in the ultrasonic range. Rats use three classes of ultrasonic vocalizations depending on developmental stage, experience and the behavioral situation. Calls from one class emitted by juvenile and adult rats, the so-called 50-kHz calls, are typical for appetitive and social situations. This review provides a brief historical account on the introduction of 50-kHz calls in behavioral research followed by a survey of their scientific applications focusing on the last five years, where 50-kHz publications reached a climax. Then, specific methodological challenges will be addressed, like how to measure and report 50-kHz USV, the problem of assignment of acoustic signals to a specific sender in a social situation, and individual variability in call propensity. Finally, the intricacy of interpreting 50-kHz results will be discussed focusing on the most prevalent ones, namely as communicative signals and/or readouts of the sender's emotional status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rainer K W Schwarting
- Experimental and Biological Psychology, Behavioral Neuroscience, Faculty of Psychology, Philipps-University of Marburg, Gutenbergstrasse 18, 35032 Marburg, Germany; Marburg Center for Mind, Brain, and Behavior (MCMBB), Hans-Meerwein-Strasse 6, 35032 Marburg, Germany.
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Bogdan R, Kayumova R, Schwarting RKW, Wöhr M, Kisko TM. Wildtype peers rescue social play and 50-kHz ultrasonic vocalization deficits in juvenile female Cacna1c heterozygous rats. Front Behav Neurosci 2023; 17:1190272. [PMID: 37600756 PMCID: PMC10435996 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2023.1190272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Healthy brain development depends on early social practices and experiences. The risk gene CACNA1C is implicated in numerous neuropsychiatric disorders, in which key characteristics include deficits in social functioning and communication. Recently, we reported sex-dependent impairments in social behavior and ultrasonic vocalizations (USV) in juvenile heterozygous Cacna1c+/- (HET) rats. Specifically, HET females displayed increases in rough-and-tumble play that eliminated the typically observed sex difference between male and female rats. Interestingly, female wild-type Cacna1c+/+ (WT) pairs also showed a similar increase in social play when housed with HET females, suggesting their behavior may be influenced by HET cage mates. This indicates that the genetic makeup of the social environment related to Cacna1c can influence social play, yet systematic studies are lacking. Methods In the present study, we housed juvenile females in MIXED- or SAME-genotype cages and tested them in a social play paradigm with a same- and opposite-genotype partner. Results The results show that the early social environment and the genotype of the play partner influence social play and 50-kHz USV emission. Experience with a WT play partner appears necessary for HET females to show comparable levels of play and 50-kHz USV emission. Same-genotype HET pairs played less and emitted fewer 50-kHz USV than same-genotype WT or opposite-genotype pairs; however, we found that the decrease in social play and 50-kHz USV in HET pairs can be rescued by playing with a WT partner. The effect was particularly prominent when the first play partner was WT, as we found it increased play and 50-kHz USV emission in all subsequent interactions with ensuing partners. Conclusion These findings suggest that the genetic makeup related to the social environment and/or social peers influences social play in Cacna1c+/- haploinsufficient rats. Specifically, our results show that WT peers can rescue behavior and communication alterations in Cacna1c female rats. Our findings have important implications because they show that the genetic makeup of the social environment can divulge phenotypic changes in genetic rat models of neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Bogdan
- Behavioral Neuroscience, Experimental and Biological Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Rukhshona Kayumova
- Behavioral Neuroscience, Experimental and Biological Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Rainer K. W. Schwarting
- Behavioral Neuroscience, Experimental and Biological Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
- Centre for Mind, Brain, and Behavior (CMBB), Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Markus Wöhr
- Behavioral Neuroscience, Experimental and Biological Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
- Centre for Mind, Brain, and Behavior (CMBB), Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
- Social and Affective Neuroscience Research Group, Laboratory of Biological Psychology, Research Unit Brain and Cognition, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Theresa M. Kisko
- Behavioral Neuroscience, Experimental and Biological Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
- Centre for Mind, Brain, and Behavior (CMBB), Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
- Social and Affective Neuroscience Research Group, Laboratory of Biological Psychology, Research Unit Brain and Cognition, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Abaatyo J, Favina A, Kaggwa MM. Absconding among admitted patients with bipolar affective disorder diagnosis in Uganda. BMC Psychiatry 2023; 23:318. [PMID: 37142973 PMCID: PMC10161627 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-04794-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hospitalization is often necessary for individuals with Bipolar affective Disorder (BAD) during severe manic or depressive episodes, as well as for stabilizing treatment regimens. However, a significant proportion of patients admitted for treatment of BAD abscond or leave the hospital without permission during their stay. In addition, patients managed for BAD may have unique characteristics that might force them into absconding. For example, the high prevalence of co-morbid substance use disorder - craving to use substances, suicidal behaviors - attempts to die by suicide, and cluster B personality disorders - characterized by impulsive acts. It is, therefore, essential to understand the factors contributing to absconding among patients with BAD, to facilitate designing strategies for preventing and managing this behavior. METHOD This study was based on a retrospective chart review of the inpatients diagnosed with BAD at a tertiary psychiatry facility in Uganda from January 2018 to December 2021. RESULTS Approximately 7.8% of those with BAD absconded from the hospital. The likelihood of absconding among those with BAD increased with the use of cannabis [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 4.00, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.22-13.09, p-value = 0.022] and having mood lability [aOR = 2.15, 95% CI = 1.10-4.21, p-value = 0.025]. However, receiving psychotherapy during the admission (aOR = 0.44, 95 CI = 0.26-0.74, p-value = 0.002) and treatment with haloperidol (aOR = 0.39, 95% CI = 0.18-0.83, p-value = 0.014) reduced the likelihood of absconding. CONCLUSION Absconding among patients with BAD is common in Uganda. Those with symptoms of affective lability and those with comorbid cannabis use tend to abscond more, while those who receive haloperidol and psychotherapy are less likely to abscond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joan Abaatyo
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Alain Favina
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Mark Mohan Kaggwa
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda.
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, McMaster University, Ontario, ON, Canada.
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Starowicz K, Filip M. We're living much longer, but are we healthier? Br J Pharmacol 2022; 179:4159-4160. [PMID: 35876149 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Małgorzata Filip
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, Cracow, Poland
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Appetitive 50 kHz calls in a pavlovian conditioned approach task in Cacna1c haploinsufficient rats. Physiol Behav 2022; 250:113795. [PMID: 35351494 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2022.113795] [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: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
We have previously shown that rats emit high-frequency 50 kHz ultrasonic vocalizations (USV) during sign- and goal-tracking in a common Pavlovian conditioned approach task. Such 50 kHz calls are probably related to positive affect and are associated with meso-limbic dopamine function. In humans, the CACNA1C gene, encoding for the α1C subunit of the L-type voltage-gated calcium channel CaV1.2, is implicated in several mental disorders, including mood disorders associated with altered dopamine signaling. In the present study, we investigated sign- and goal-tracking behavior and the emission of 50 kHz USV in Cacna1c haploinsufficent rats in a task where food pellet delivery is signaled by an appearance of an otherwise inoperable lever. Over the course of this Pavlovian training, these rats not only increased their approach to the reward site, but also their rates of pressing the inoperable lever. During subsequent extinction tests, where reward delivery was omitted, extinction patterns differed between reward site (i.e. magazine entries) and lever, since magazine entries quickly declined whereas behavior towards the lever transiently increased. Based on established criteria to define sign- or goal-tracking individuals, no CACNA1C rat met a sign-tracking criterion, since around 42% of rats tested where goal-trackers and the other 58% fell into an intermediate range. Regarding USV, we found that the CACNA1C rats emitted 50 kHz calls with a clear subject-dependent pattern; also, most of them were of a flat subtype and occurred mainly during initial habituation phases without cues or rewards. Compared, to previously published wildtype controls, Cacna1c haploinsufficent rats displayed reduced numbers of appetitive 50 kHz calls. Moreover, similar to wildtype littermate controls, 50 kHz call emission in Cacna1c haploinsufficent rats was intra-individually stable over training days and was negatively associated with goal-tracking. Together, these findings provide evidence in support of 50 kHz calls as trait marker. The finding that Cacna1c haploinsufficent rats show reductions of 50 kHz calls accompanied with more goal-tracking, is consistent with the assumption of altered dopamine signaling in these rats, a finding which supports their applicability in models of mental disorders.
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Opioid and Sucrose Craving Are Accompanied by Unique Behavioral and Affective Profiles after Extended Abstinence in Male and Female Rats. eNeuro 2022; 9:ENEURO.0515-21.2022. [PMID: 35241453 PMCID: PMC9007407 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0515-21.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Incubation of craving refers to the intensification of drug-seeking behavior in response to reward-paired cues over the course of abstinence. In rodents, craving and drug-seeking behaviors have been measured by an increase in lever pressing in the absence of reinforcer availability in response to cue presentations. However, craving in rodents is difficult to define and little is known about the behavioral signatures that accompany increased drug-seeking behavior measured by lever pressing. The affective components of relapse are also important, but understudied in rodents. Hormonal fluctuations influence craving for psychostimulants, but little is known about the impact of the estrous cycle on opioid-seeking behavior. This study sought to delineate the behavioral and affective signatures associated with craving, and to examine the influence of the female estrous cycle on craving. Male and female rats underwent 10 d of intravenous opioid self-administration. Separate cohorts of control rats self-administered oral sucrose, a natural nondrug reward. Cue-induced seeking tests were conducted after 1 or 30d of forced abstinence. These sessions were recorded and scored for overall locomotion, instances of sniffing, grooming, or hyperactivity. Ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) were also recorded to determine affective profiles that accompany opioid seeking. Although active lever presses and overall locomotion increased unanimously over extended abstinence from heroin and sucrose, a sex- and reinforcer-specific behavioral and affective signature of craving emerged. Furthermore, although the female estrous cycle did not affect taking or seeking, it appears to influence more granular behaviors.
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Berz AC, Wöhr M, Schwarting RKW. Response Calls Evoked by Playback of Natural 50-kHz Ultrasonic Vocalizations in Rats. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 15:812142. [PMID: 35095442 PMCID: PMC8797927 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2021.812142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Rats are highly social animals known to communicate with ultrasonic vocalizations (USV) of different frequencies. Calls around 50 kHz are thought to represent a positive affective state, whereas calls around 22 kHz are believed to serve as alarm or distress calls. During playback of natural 50-kHz USV, rats show a reliable and strong social approach response toward the sound source. While this response has been studied in great detail in numerous publications, little is known about the emission of USV in response to natural 50-kHz USV playback. To close this gap, we capitalized on three data sets previously obtained and analyzed USV evoked by natural 50-kHz USV playback in male juvenile rats. We compared different rat stocks, namely Wistar (WI) and Sprague-Dawley (SD) and investigated the pharmacological treatment with the dopaminergic D2 receptor antagonist haloperidol. These response calls were found to vary broadly inter-individually in numbers, mean peak frequencies, durations and frequency modulations. Despite the large variability, the results showed no major differences between experimental conditions regarding call likelihood or call parameters, representing a robust phenomenon. However, most response calls had clearly lower frequencies and were longer than typical 50-kHz calls, i.e., around 30 kHz and lasting generally around 0.3 s. These calls resemble aversive 22-kHz USV of adult rats but were of higher frequencies and shorter durations. Moreover, blockade of dopamine D2 receptors did not substantially affect the emission of response calls suggesting that they are not dependent on the D2 receptor function. Taken together, this study provides a detailed analysis of response calls toward playback of 50-kHz USV in juvenile WI and SD rats. This includes calls representing 50-kHz USV, but mostly calls with lower frequencies that are not clearly categorizable within the so far known two main groups of USV in adult rats. We discuss the possible functions of these response calls addressing their communicative functions like contact or appeasing calls, and whether they may reflect a state of frustration. In future studies, response calls might also serve as a new read-out in rat models for neuropsychiatric disorders, where acoustic communication is impaired, such as autism spectrum disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annuska C. Berz
- Behavioral Neuroscience, Experimental and Biological Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
- Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
- *Correspondence: Annuska C. Berz,
| | - Markus Wöhr
- Behavioral Neuroscience, Experimental and Biological Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
- Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
- Research Unit Brain and Cognition, Laboratory of Biological Psychology, Social and Affective Neuroscience Research Group, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Rainer K. W. Schwarting
- Behavioral Neuroscience, Experimental and Biological Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
- Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
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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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Lawson KA, Flores AY, Hokenson RE, Ruiz CM, Mahler SV. Nucleus Accumbens Chemogenetic Inhibition Suppresses Amphetamine-Induced Ultrasonic Vocalizations in Male and Female Rats. Brain Sci 2021; 11:1255. [PMID: 34679320 PMCID: PMC8534195 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11101255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Adult rats emit ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) related to their affective states, potentially providing information about their subjective experiences during behavioral neuroscience experiments. If so, USVs might provide an important link between invasive animal preclinical studies and human studies in which subjective states can be readily queried. Here, we induced USVs in male and female Long Evans rats using acute amphetamine (2 mg/kg), and asked how reversibly inhibiting nucleus accumbens neurons using designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADDs) impacts USV production. We analyzed USV characteristics using "Deepsqueak" software, and manually categorized detected calls into four previously defined subtypes. We found that systemic administration of the DREADD agonist clozapine-n-oxide, relative to vehicle in the same rats, suppressed the number of frequency-modulated and trill-containing USVs without impacting high frequency, unmodulated (flat) USVs, nor the small number of low-frequency USVs observed. Using chemogenetics, these results thus confirm that nucleus accumbens neurons are essential for production of amphetamine-induced frequency-modulated USVs. They also support the premise of further investigating the characteristics and subcategories of these calls as a window into the subjective effects of neural manipulations, with potential future clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Stephen V. Mahler
- Department of Neurobiology & Behavior, University of California, Irvine. 1203 McGaugh Hall, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; (K.A.L.); (A.Y.F.); (R.E.H.); (C.M.R.)
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Bogacki-Rychlik W, Rolf M, Bialy M. Anticipatory 50-kHz Precontact Ultrasonic Vocalizations and Sexual Motivation: Characteristic Pattern of Ultrasound Subtypes in an Individual Analyzed Profile. Front Behav Neurosci 2021; 15:722456. [PMID: 34489656 PMCID: PMC8417802 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2021.722456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
We verified the hypothesis of the existence of forms of individual-specific differences in the emission of anticipatory precontact vocalization (PVs) indicating individualization related to sexual experience and motivation in male rats. Long-Evans males were individually placed in a chamber and 50-kHz ultrasounds were recorded during 5-min periods. In experiment 1, PVs were recorded before the introduction of a female in four consecutive sessions during the acquisition of sexual experience. In experiment 2, PVs were analyzed in three groups of sexually experienced males: with the highest, moderate, and the lowest sexual motivation based on previous copulatory activity. In both experiments, the total number of ultrasounds, as well as 14 different specific subtypes, was measured. The ultrasound profiles for each male were created by analyzing the proportions of specific dominant subtypes of so-called 50-kHz calls. We decided that the dominant ultrasounds were those that represented more than 10% of the total recorded signals in a particular session. The number of PVs was positively correlated with the acquisition of sexual experience and previous copulatory efficiency (measured as the number of sessions with ejaculation). Furthermore, PVs showed domination of the frequency modulated signals (complex and composite) as well as flat and short with upward ramp ultrasounds with some individual differences, regardless of the level of sexual motivation. The results show a characteristic pattern of PVs and confirm the hypothesis that the number of PVs is a parameter reflecting the level of sexual motivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wiktor Bogacki-Rychlik
- Laboratory of Centre for Preclinical Research, Department of Experimental and Clinical Physiology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Mateusz Rolf
- Laboratory of Centre for Preclinical Research, Department of Experimental and Clinical Physiology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Michal Bialy
- Laboratory of Centre for Preclinical Research, Department of Experimental and Clinical Physiology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
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Kanazawa LKS, Radulski DR, Pereira GS, Prickaerts J, Schwarting RKW, Acco A, Andreatini R. Andrographolide blocks 50-kHz ultrasonic vocalizations, hyperlocomotion and oxidative stress in an animal model of mania. J Psychiatr Res 2021; 139:91-98. [PMID: 34058655 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2021.05.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 04/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
In rats, lisdexamfetamine (LDX) induces manic-like behaviors such as hyperlocomotion and increases in appetitive 50-kHz ultrasonic vocalizations (USV), which are prevented by antimanic drugs, such as lithium. Inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK3β) and antioxidant activity have been associated with antimanic effects. Thus, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the possible antimanic-like effects of andrographolide (ANDRO), a GSK3β inhibitor, on LDX-induced hyperlocomotion and 50-kHz USV increases. In addition, the effect of ANDRO was studied on LDX-induced oxidative stress. Lithium was used as positive control. Adult Wistar rats were treated with vehicle, lithium (100 mg/kg i.p., daily) or ANDRO (2 mg/kg i.p., 3 times a week) for 21 days. On the test day, either 10 mg/kg LDX or saline was administered i.p. and USV and locomotor activity were recorded. LDX administration increased the number of 50-kHz calls, as well as locomotor activity. Repeated treatment with lithium or ANDRO prevented these effects of LDX on 50-kHz USV and locomotor activity. LDX increased lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels in rat striatum and both lithium and ANDRO prevented this effect. LPO levels in rat striatum were positively correlated with increases in 50-kHz USV emission as well as hyperlocomotion. In conclusion, the present results indicate that ANDRO has antimanic-like effects, which may be mediated by its antioxidant properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luiz K S Kanazawa
- Laboratory of Physiology and Pharmacology of the Central Nervous System, Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of Paraná, Centro Politécnico, 81540-990, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Débora R Radulski
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Metabolism, Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of Paraná, Centro Politécnico, 81540-990, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Gabriela S Pereira
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Metabolism, Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of Paraná, Centro Politécnico, 81540-990, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Jos Prickaerts
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychiatry, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Rainer K W Schwarting
- Behavioural Neuroscience, Experimental and Biological Psychology, and Center for Mind, Brain, and Behavior (CMBB), Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marburg, 35032, Germany
| | - Alexandra Acco
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Metabolism, Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of Paraná, Centro Politécnico, 81540-990, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Roberto Andreatini
- Laboratory of Physiology and Pharmacology of the Central Nervous System, Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of Paraná, Centro Politécnico, 81540-990, Curitiba, PR, Brazil.
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Wöhr M, Kisko TM, Schwarting RK. Social Behavior and Ultrasonic Vocalizations in a Genetic Rat Model Haploinsufficient for the Cross-Disorder Risk Gene Cacna1c. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11060724. [PMID: 34072335 PMCID: PMC8229447 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11060724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The top-ranked cross-disorder risk gene CACNA1C is strongly associated with multiple neuropsychiatric dysfunctions. In a recent series of studies, we applied a genomically informed approach and contributed extensively to the behavioral characterization of a genetic rat model haploinsufficient for the cross-disorder risk gene Cacna1c. Because deficits in processing social signals are associated with reduced social functioning as commonly seen in neuropsychiatric disorders, we focused on socio-affective communication through 22-kHz and 50-kHz ultrasonic vocalizations (USV). Specifically, we applied a reciprocal approach for studying socio-affective communication in sender and receiver by including rough-and-tumble play and playback of 22-kHz and 50-kHz USV. Here, we review the findings obtained in this recent series of studies and link them to the key features of 50-kHz USV emission during rough-and-tumble play and social approach behavior evoked by playback of 22-kHz and 50-kHz USV. We conclude that Cacna1c haploinsufficiency in rats leads to robust deficits in socio-affective communication through 22-kHz and 50-kHz USV and associated alterations in social behavior, such as rough-and-tumble play behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Wöhr
- Social and Affective Neuroscience Research Group, Laboratory of Biological Psychology, Research Unit Brain and Cognition, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Faculty of Psychology, Experimental and Biological Psychology, Behavioral Neuroscience, Philipps-University of Marburg, D-35032 Marburg, Germany; (T.M.K.); (R.K.W.S.)
- Center for Mind, Brain, and Behavior, Philipps-University of Marburg, D-35032 Marburg, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +32-16-19-45-57
| | - Theresa M. Kisko
- Faculty of Psychology, Experimental and Biological Psychology, Behavioral Neuroscience, Philipps-University of Marburg, D-35032 Marburg, Germany; (T.M.K.); (R.K.W.S.)
- Center for Mind, Brain, and Behavior, Philipps-University of Marburg, D-35032 Marburg, Germany
| | - Rainer K.W. Schwarting
- Faculty of Psychology, Experimental and Biological Psychology, Behavioral Neuroscience, Philipps-University of Marburg, D-35032 Marburg, Germany; (T.M.K.); (R.K.W.S.)
- Center for Mind, Brain, and Behavior, Philipps-University of Marburg, D-35032 Marburg, Germany
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Brudzynski SM. Biological Functions of Rat Ultrasonic Vocalizations, Arousal Mechanisms, and Call Initiation. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11050605. [PMID: 34065107 PMCID: PMC8150717 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11050605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2021] [Revised: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
This review summarizes all reported and suspected functions of ultrasonic vocalizations in infant and adult rats. The review leads to the conclusion that all types of ultrasonic vocalizations subserving all functions are vocal expressions of emotional arousal initiated by the activity of the reticular core of the brainstem. The emotional arousal is dichotomic in nature and is initiated by two opposite-in-function ascending reticular systems that are separate from the cognitive reticular activating system. The mesolimbic cholinergic system initiates the aversive state of anxiety with concomitant emission of 22 kHz calls, while the mesolimbic dopaminergic system initiates the appetitive state of hedonia with concomitant emission of 50 kHz vocalizations. These two mutually exclusive arousal systems prepare the animal for two different behavioral outcomes. The transition from broadband infant isolation calls to the well-structured adult types of vocalizations is explained, and the social importance of adult rat vocal communication is emphasized. The association of 22 kHz and 50 kHz vocalizations with aversive and appetitive states, respectively, was utilized in numerous quantitatively measured preclinical models of physiological, psychological, neurological, neuropsychiatric, and neurodevelopmental investigations. The present review should help in understanding and the interpretation of these models in biomedical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan M Brudzynski
- Department of Psychology, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON L2S 3A1, Canada
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