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de Sampaio MOB, Montiani-Ferreira F, Mello FR, Martins CB, de Souza ALG, Bortolini M, Klaumann PR, Moore BA. Supplemental vibrissal extensions as an alternative to improve the tactile sensitivity of blind dogs - a preliminary approach investigation. Vet Res Commun 2024; 48:1907-1914. [PMID: 38427268 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-024-10342-y] [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: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This preliminary study suggests a way to artificially extend vibrissae of blind dogs to assist ambulation and avoiding facial contact with obstacles. PROCEDURES Fourteen irreversibly blind dogs had 5-6 mystacial vibrissae on each side of the face supplementally extended by attaching carefully chosen adult pig hairs to them and were subjected to a maze test before and after the procedure. In three of these dogs the test was repeated one more time after all the extensions had fallen off. Collision counts and course times with and without extensions were analyzed and compared. A p-value > 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS Median number of collisions was significantly higher post-extensions (5 IQR 2.25) and after extensions had fallen off (4 IQR 7.50) compared to pre-extensions (1 IQR 1), p = 0.021. Median times were significantly higher pre-extension (25.6 IQR 8.98) and after the extensions had fallen off, compared to the post-extension performance (22.8 IQR 8.55), p = 0.04. CONCLUSION Vibrissae play an important role in the tactile perception of blind dogs, and our preliminary results suggest that extending this sensory organ possibly improves obstacle location and their quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fabiano Montiani-Ferreira
- Veterinary Medicine Department, Federal University of Parana, Rua Dos Funcionarios, 1540, Curitiba, PR, 80035-050, Brazil.
| | - Franz Riegler Mello
- Veterinary Medicine Department, Federal University of Parana, Rua Dos Funcionarios, 1540, Curitiba, PR, 80035-050, Brazil
| | - Camila Bolmann Martins
- Veterinary Medicine Department, Federal University of Parana, Rua Dos Funcionarios, 1540, Curitiba, PR, 80035-050, Brazil
| | | | - Mariza Bortolini
- Veterinary Medicine Department, Federal University of Parana, Rua Dos Funcionarios, 1540, Curitiba, PR, 80035-050, Brazil
| | - Paulo Roberto Klaumann
- Clinivet Hospital Veterinário, R. Holanda, 894, Boa Vista, Curitiba, PR, 82540-040, Brazil
| | - Bret A Moore
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, University of Florida, 2015 SW 16Th Ave, Gainesville, FL, 32608, USA
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Bresee C, Litman-Cleper J, Clayton CJ, Krubitzer L. Translating the Timing of Developmental Benchmarks in Short-Tailed Opossums (Monodelphisdomestica) to Facilitate Comparisons with Commonly Used Rodent Models. BRAIN, BEHAVIOR AND EVOLUTION 2024; 99:69-85. [PMID: 38527443 DOI: 10.1159/000538524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The gray short-tailed opossum, Monodelhis domestica (M. domestica), is a widely used marsupial model species that presents unique advantages for neurodevelopmental studies. Notably their extremely altricial birth allows manipulation of postnatal pups at timepoints equivalent to embryonic stages of placental mammals. A robust literature exists on the development of short-tailed opossums, but many researchers working in the more conventional model species of mice and rats may find it daunting to identify the appropriate age at which to conduct experiments. METHODS Here, we present detailed staging diagrams taken from photographic observations of 40 individual pups, in 6 litters, over 25 timepoints across postnatal development. We also present a comparative neurodevelopmental timeline of short-tailed opossums (M. domestica), the house mouse (Mus musculus), and the laboratory rat (Rattus norvegicus) during embryonic as well as postnatal development, using timepoints taken from this study and a review of existing literature, and use this dataset to present statistical models comparing the opossum to the rat and mouse. RESULTS One aim of this research was to aid in testing the generalizability of results found in rodents to other mammalian brains, such as the more distantly related metatherians. However, this broad dataset also allows the identification of potential heterochronies in opossum development compared to rats and mice. In contrast to previous work, we found broad similarity between the pace of opossum neural development with that of rats and mice. We also found that development of some systems was accelerated in the opossum, such as the forelimb motor plant, oral motor control, and some aspects of the olfactory system, while the development of the cortex, some aspects of the retina, and other aspects of the olfactory system are delayed compared to the rat and mouse. DISCUSSION The pace of opossum development is broadly similar to that of mice and rats, which underscores the usefulness of this species as a compliment to the more commonly used rodents. Many features that differ the most between opossums and rats and mice were either clustered around the day of birth and were features that have functional importance for the pup immediately after or during birth, or were features that have reduced functional importance for the pup until later in postnatal development, given that it is initially attached to the mother.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris Bresee
- Center for Neuroscience, University of California at Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Jules Litman-Cleper
- Center for Neuroscience, University of California at Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Cindy J Clayton
- Department of Psychology, University of California at Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Leah Krubitzer
- Center for Neuroscience, University of California at Davis, Davis, California, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of California at Davis, Davis, California, USA
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Dinh TNA, Moon HS, Kim SG. Separation of bimodal fMRI responses in mouse somatosensory areas into V1 and non-V1 contributions. Sci Rep 2024; 14:6302. [PMID: 38491035 PMCID: PMC10943206 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-56305-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Multisensory integration is necessary for the animal to survive in the real world. While conventional methods have been extensively used to investigate the multisensory integration process in various brain areas, its long-range interactions remain less explored. In this study, our goal was to investigate interactions between visual and somatosensory networks on a whole-brain scale using 15.2-T BOLD fMRI. We compared unimodal to bimodal BOLD fMRI responses and dissected potential cross-modal pathways with silencing of primary visual cortex (V1) by optogenetic stimulation of local GABAergic neurons. Our data showed that the influence of visual stimulus on whisker activity is higher than the influence of whisker stimulus on visual activity. Optogenetic silencing of V1 revealed that visual information is conveyed to whisker processing via both V1 and non-V1 pathways. The first-order ventral posteromedial thalamic nucleus (VPM) was functionally affected by non-V1 sources, while the higher-order posterior medial thalamic nucleus (POm) was predominantly modulated by V1 but not non-V1 inputs. The primary somatosensory barrel field (S1BF) was influenced by both V1 and non-V1 inputs. These observations provide valuable insights for into the integration of whisker and visual sensory information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thi Ngoc Anh Dinh
- Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research (CNIR), Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Suwon, 16419, South Korea
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, South Korea
| | - Hyun Seok Moon
- Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research (CNIR), Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Suwon, 16419, South Korea
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, South Korea
| | - Seong-Gi Kim
- Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research (CNIR), Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Suwon, 16419, South Korea.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, South Korea.
- Department of Intelligent Precision Healthcare Convergence, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, South Korea.
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Graïc JM, Mazzariol S, Casalone C, Petrella A, Gili C, Gerussi T, Orekhova K, Centelleghe C, Cozzi B. Report on the brain of the monk seal (Monachus monachus, Hermann, 1779). Anat Histol Embryol 2024; 53:e12986. [PMID: 37843436 DOI: 10.1111/ahe.12986] [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: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
The Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus, Hermann, 1779) is an endangered species of pinniped endemic to few areas of the Mediterranean Sea. Extensive hunting and poaching over the last two centuries have rendered it a rare sight, scattered mainly in the Aegean Sea and the western coast of North Africa. In a rare event, a female monk seal calf stranded and died in southern Italy (Brindisi, Puglia). During due necropsy, the brain was extracted and fixed. The present report is the first of a monk seal brain. The features reported are remarkably typical of a true seal brain, with some specific characteristics. The brain cortical circonvolutions, main fissures and the external parts are described, and an EQ was calculated. Overall, this carnivore adapted to aquatic life shares some aspects of its neuroanatomy and physiology with other seemingly distant aquatic mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Marie Graïc
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, viale dell'Università 16, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Sandro Mazzariol
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, viale dell'Università 16, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Cristina Casalone
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Torino, Italy
| | - Antonio Petrella
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Puglia e della Basilicata, Foggia, Italy
| | | | - Tommaso Gerussi
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, viale dell'Università 16, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Ksenia Orekhova
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, viale dell'Università 16, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Cinzia Centelleghe
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, viale dell'Università 16, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Bruno Cozzi
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, viale dell'Università 16, Legnaro, Italy
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Dougill G, Brassey CA, Starostin EL, Andrews H, Kitchener A, van der Heijden GHM, Goss VGA, Grant RA. Describing whisker morphology of the Carnivora. J Morphol 2023; 284:e21628. [PMID: 37585221 DOI: 10.1002/jmor.21628] [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: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
One of the largest ecological transitions in carnivoran evolution was the shift from terrestrial to aquatic lifestyles, which has driven morphological diversity in skulls and other skeletal structures. In this paper, we investigate the association between those lifestyles and whisker morphology. However, comparing whisker morphology over a range of species is challenging since the number of whiskers and their positions on the mystacial pads vary between species. Also, each whisker will be at a different stage of growth and may have incurred damage due to wear and tear. Identifying a way to easily capture whisker morphology in a small number of whisker samples would be beneficial. Here, we describe individual and species variation in whisker morphology from two-dimensional scans in red fox, European otter and grey seal. A comparison of long, caudal whiskers shows inter-species differences most clearly. We go on to describe global whisker shape in 24 species of carnivorans, using linear approximations of curvature and taper, as well as traditional morphometric methods. We also qualitatively examine surface texture, or the presence of scales, using scanning electron micrographs. We show that gross whisker shape is highly conserved, with whisker curvature and taper obeying simple linear relationships with length. However, measures of whisker base radius, length, and maybe even curvature, can vary between species and substrate preferences. Specifically, the aquatic species in our sample have thicker, shorter whiskers that are smoother, with less scales present than those of terrestrial species. We suggest that these thicker whiskers may be stiffer and able to maintain their shape and position during underwater sensing, but being stiffer may also increase wear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary Dougill
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - Charlotte A Brassey
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - Eugene L Starostin
- School of Engineering, London South Bank University, London, UK
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering, University College London, London, UK
| | - Hayley Andrews
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - Andrew Kitchener
- Department of Natural Sciences, National Museums Scotland, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Gert H M van der Heijden
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering, University College London, London, UK
| | - Victor G A Goss
- School of Engineering, London South Bank University, London, UK
| | - Robyn A Grant
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
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Frare C, Pitt SK, Hewett SJ. Sex- and age-dependent contribution of System x c- to cognitive, sensory, and social behaviors revealed by comprehensive behavioral analyses of System x c- null mice. Front Behav Neurosci 2023; 17:1238349. [PMID: 37649973 PMCID: PMC10462982 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2023.1238349] [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: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background System xc- (Sxc-) is an important heteromeric amino acid cystine/glutamate exchanger that plays a pivotal role in the CNS by importing cystine into cells while exporting glutamate. Although certain behaviors have been identified as altered in Sxc- null mutant mice, our understanding of the comprehensive impact of Sxc- on behavior remains incomplete. Methods To address this gap, we compared motor, sensory and social behaviors of male and female mice in mice null for Sxc- (SLC7A11sut/sut) with wildtype littermates (SLC7A11+/+) in a comprehensive and systematic manner to determine effects of genotype, sex, age, and their potential interactions. Results Motor performance was not affected by loss of Sxc- in both males and females, although it was impacted negatively by age. Motor learning was specifically disrupted in female mice lacking Sxc- at both 2 and 6 months of age. Further, female SLC7A11sut/sut mice at both ages exhibited impaired sociability, but normal spatial and recognition memory, as well as sensorimotor gating. Finally, pronounced open-space anxiety was displayed by female SLC7A11sut/sut when they were young. In contrast, young SLC7A11sut/sut male mice demonstrated normal sociability, delayed spatial learning, increased open-space anxiety and heightened sensitivity to noise. As they aged, anxiety and noise sensitivity abated but hyperactivity emerged. Discussion We find that the behavioral phenotypes of female SLC7A11sut/sut are similar to those observed in mouse models of autism spectrum disorder, while behaviors of male SLC7A11sut/sut resemble those seen in mouse models of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. These results underscore the need for further investigation of SLC7A11 in neurodevelopment. By expanding our understanding of the potential involvement of Sxc-, we may gain additional insights into the mechanisms underlying complex neurodevelopmental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sandra J. Hewett
- Department of Biology, Program in Neuroscience, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, United States
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Benoit J, Norton LA, Jirah S. The maxillary canal of the titanosuchid Jonkeria (Synapsida, Dinocephalia). THE SCIENCE OF NATURE - NATURWISSENSCHAFTEN 2023; 110:27. [PMID: 37272962 PMCID: PMC10241669 DOI: 10.1007/s00114-023-01853-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The maxillary canal of the titanosuchid dinocephalian Jonkeria is described based on digitised serial sections. We highlight that its morphology is more like that of the tapinocephalid Moschognathus than that of Anteosaurus. This is unexpected given the similarities between the dentition of Jonkeria and Anteosaurus (i.e., presence of a canine) and the fact that the branching pattern of the maxillary canal in synapsids usually co-varies with dentition. Hypotheses to account for similarities between Jonkeria and Moschognathus (common ancestry, function in social signalling or underwater sensing) are discussed. It is likely that the maxillary canal carries a strong phylogenetic signal, here supporting the clade Tapinocephalia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Benoit
- Evolutionary Studies Institute, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
| | - Luke A Norton
- Evolutionary Studies Institute, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Sifelani Jirah
- Evolutionary Studies Institute, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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At the root of the mammalian mind: The sensory organs, brain and behavior of pre-mammalian synapsids. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2023; 275:25-72. [PMID: 36841570 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pbr.2022.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
All modern mammals are descendants of the paraphyletic non-mammaliaform Synapsida, colloquially referred to as the "mammal-like reptiles." It has long been assumed that these mammalian ancestors were essentially reptile-like in their morphology, biology, and behavior, i.e., they had a small brain, displayed simple behavior, and their sensory organs were unrefined compared to those of modern mammals. Recent works have, however, revealed that neurological, sensory, and behavioral traits previously considered typically mammalian, such as whiskers, enhanced olfaction, nocturnality, parental care, and complex social interactions evolved before the origin of Mammaliaformes, among the early-diverging "mammal-like reptiles." In contrast, an enlarged brain did not evolve immediately after the origin of mammaliaforms. As such, in terms of paleoneurology, the last "mammal-like reptiles" were not significantly different from the earliest mammaliaforms. The abundant data and literature published in the last 10 years no longer supports the "three pulses" scenario of synapsid brain evolution proposed by Rowe and colleagues in 2011, but supports the new "outside-in" model of Rodrigues and colleagues proposed in 2018, instead. As Mesozoic reptiles were becoming the dominant taxa within terrestrial ecosystems, synapsids gradually adapted to smaller body sizes and nocturnality. This resulted in a sensory revolution in synapsids as olfaction, audition, and somatosensation compensated for the loss of visual cues. This altered sensory input is aligned with changes in the brain, the most significant of which was an increase in relative brain size.
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Amichai E, Boerma DB, Page RA, Swartz SM, ter Hofstede HM. By a whisker: the sensory role of vibrissae in hovering flight in nectarivorous bats. Proc Biol Sci 2023; 290:20222085. [PMID: 36722088 PMCID: PMC9890094 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2022.2085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Whiskers are important tactile structures widely used across mammals for a variety of sensory functions, but it is not known how bats-representing about a fifth of all extant mammal species-use them. Nectar-eating bats typically have long vibrissae (long, stiff hairs) arranged in a forward-facing brush-like formation that is not present in most non-nectarivorous bats. They also commonly use a unique flight strategy to access their food-hovering flight. Here we investigated whether these species use their vibrissae to optimize their feeding by assisting fine flight control. We used behavioural experiments to test if bats' flight trajectory into the flower changed after vibrissa removal, and phylogenetic comparative methods to test whether vibrissa length is related to nectarivory. We found that bat flight trajectory was altered after vibrissae removal and that nectarivorous bats possess longer vibrissae than non-nectivorous species, providing evidence of an additional source of information in bats' diverse sensory toolkit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eran Amichai
- Ecology, Evolution, Environment & Society Graduate Program, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
| | - David B. Boerma
- Department of Mammalogy, Division of Vertebrate Zoology, American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY 10024, USA
| | - Rachel A. Page
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Balboa, Ancón, Apartado 0843-03092, Republic of Panama
| | - Sharon M. Swartz
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Brown University, Providence, RI 012912, USA
- School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, RI 012912, USA
| | - Hannah M. ter Hofstede
- Ecology, Evolution, Environment & Society Graduate Program, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Balboa, Ancón, Apartado 0843-03092, Republic of Panama
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10
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Grant RA, Ryan H, Breakell V. Demonstrating a measurement protocol for studying comparative whisker movements with implications for the evolution of behaviour. J Neurosci Methods 2023; 384:109752. [PMID: 36435328 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2022.109752] [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: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studying natural, complex behaviours over a range of different species provides insights into the evolution of the brain and behaviour. Whisker movements reveal complex behaviours; however, there does not yet exist a protocol that is able to capture whisker movements and behaviours in a range of different species. NEW METHOD We develop a new protocol and make recommendations for measuring comparative whisker movements and behaviours. Using two set-ups - an enclosure camera set-up and a high-speed video set-up - we capture and measure the whisker movements of sixteen different captive mammal species from four different animal collections. RESULTS We demonstrate the ability to describe whisker movements and behaviours across a wide range of mammalian species. We describe whisker movements in European hedgehog, Cape porcupine, domestic rabbit, domestic ferret, weasel, European otter and red fox for the first time. We observe whisker movements in all the species we tested, although movement, positions and behaviours vary in a species-specific way. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHOD(S) The high-speed video set-up is based on the protocols of previous studies. The addition of an enclosure video set-up is entirely new, and allows us to include more species, especially large and shy species that cannot be moved into a high-speed filming arena. CONCLUSIONS We make recommendations for comparative whisker behaviour studies, particularly incorporating individual and species-specific considerations. We believe that flexible, comparative behavioural protocols have wide-ranging applications, specifically to better understand links between the brain and complex behaviours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robyn A Grant
- Department of Natural Science, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom.
| | - Hazel Ryan
- The Wildwood Trust, Herne Common, Kent, United Kingdom
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Matteucci G, Guyoton M, Mayrhofer JM, Auffret M, Foustoukos G, Petersen CCH, El-Boustani S. Cortical sensory processing across motivational states during goal-directed behavior. Neuron 2022; 110:4176-4193.e10. [PMID: 36240769 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2022.09.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Behavioral states can influence performance of goal-directed sensorimotor tasks. Yet, it is unclear how altered neuronal sensory representations in these states relate to task performance and learning. We trained water-restricted mice in a two-whisker discrimination task to study cortical circuits underlying perceptual decision-making under different levels of thirst. We identified somatosensory cortices as well as the premotor cortex as part of the circuit necessary for task execution. Two-photon calcium imaging in these areas identified populations selective to sensory or motor events. Analysis of task performance during individual sessions revealed distinct behavioral states induced by decreasing levels of thirst-related motivation. Learning was better explained by improvements in motivational state control rather than sensorimotor association. Whisker sensory representations in the cortex were altered across behavioral states. In particular, whisker stimuli could be better decoded from neuronal activity during high task performance states, suggesting that state-dependent changes of sensory processing influence decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulio Matteucci
- Department of Basic Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1 Rue Michel-Servet, 1206 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Maëlle Guyoton
- Department of Basic Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1 Rue Michel-Servet, 1206 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Johannes M Mayrhofer
- Laboratory of Sensory Processing, Brain Mind Institute, Faculty of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), EPFL-SV-BMI-LSENS Station 19, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Matthieu Auffret
- Laboratory of Sensory Processing, Brain Mind Institute, Faculty of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), EPFL-SV-BMI-LSENS Station 19, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Georgios Foustoukos
- Laboratory of Sensory Processing, Brain Mind Institute, Faculty of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), EPFL-SV-BMI-LSENS Station 19, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Carl C H Petersen
- Laboratory of Sensory Processing, Brain Mind Institute, Faculty of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), EPFL-SV-BMI-LSENS Station 19, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Sami El-Boustani
- Department of Basic Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1 Rue Michel-Servet, 1206 Geneva, Switzerland; Laboratory of Sensory Processing, Brain Mind Institute, Faculty of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), EPFL-SV-BMI-LSENS Station 19, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland.
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12
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Whisker spots on polar bears reveal increasing fluctuating asymmetry. Mamm Biol 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s42991-022-00294-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
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13
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Milne AO, Orton L, Black CH, Jones GC, Sullivan M, Grant RA. California sea lions employ task-specific strategies for active touch sensing. J Exp Biol 2021; 224:273347. [PMID: 34608932 PMCID: PMC8627572 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.243085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Active sensing is the process of moving sensors to extract task-specific information. Whisker touch is often referred to as an active sensory system as whiskers are moved with purposeful control. Even though whisker movements are found in many species, it is unknown whether any animal can make task-specific movements with their whiskers. California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) make large, purposeful whisker movements and are capable of performing many whisker-related discrimination tasks. Therefore, California sea lions are an ideal species to explore the active nature of whisker touch sensing. Here, we show that California sea lions can make task-specific whisker movements. California sea lions move their whiskers with large amplitudes around object edges to judge size, make smaller, lateral stroking movements to judge texture and make very small whisker movements during a visual task. These findings, combined with the ease of training mammals and measuring whisker movements, makes whiskers an ideal system for studying mammalian perception, cognition and motor control. Highlighted Article: California sea lions engage in task-specific active touch sensing with their whiskers to discriminate size and differentiate textures, indicating that their whiskers are truly an active sensory system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyx O Milne
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester, M1 5GD, UK.,Events Team, Blackpool Zoo, East Park Drive, Blackpool, FY3 8PP, UK
| | - Llwyd Orton
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester, M1 5GD, UK
| | | | - Gary C Jones
- Events Team, Blackpool Zoo, East Park Drive, Blackpool, FY3 8PP, UK
| | - Matthew Sullivan
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester, M1 5GD, UK
| | - Robyn A Grant
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester, M1 5GD, UK
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Mynett N, Mossman HL, Huettner T, Grant RA. Diversity of vibrissal follicle anatomy in cetaceans. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2021; 305:609-621. [PMID: 34288543 DOI: 10.1002/ar.24714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Most cetaceans are born with vibrissae but they can be lost or reduced in adulthood, especially in odontocetes. Despite this, some species of odontocetes have been found to have functioning vibrissal follicles (including the follicle itself and any remaining vibrissal hair shaft) that play a role in mechanoreception, proprioception and electroreception. This reveals a greater diversity of vibrissal function in odontocetes than in any other mammalian group. However, we know very little about vibrissal follicle form and function across the Cetacea. Here, we qualitatively describe the gross vibrissal follicle anatomy of fetuses of three species of cetaceans, including two odontocetes: Atlantic white-sided dolphin (Lagenorhynchus acutus), harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena), and one mysticete: minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata), and compared our findings to previous anatomical descriptions. All three species had few, short vibrissae contained within a relatively simple, single-part follicle, lacking in muscles. However, we observed differences in vibrissal number, follicle size and shape, and innervation distribution between the species. While all three species had nerve fibers around the follicles, the vibrissal follicles of Balaenoptera acutorostrata were innervated by a deep vibrissal nerve, and the nerve fibers of the odontocetes studied were looser and more branched. For example, in Lagenorhynchus acutus, branches of nerve fibers travelled parallel to the follicle, and innervated more superficial areas, rather than just the base. Our anatomical descriptions lend support to the observation that vibrissal morphology is diverse in cetaceans, and is worth further investigation to fully explore links between form and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha Mynett
- Department of Natural Science, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - Hannah L Mossman
- Department of Natural Science, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - Tim Huettner
- Nuremberg Zoo, Nuremberg, Germany.,Institute of Biosciences, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Robyn A Grant
- Department of Natural Science, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
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