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Stable long-term individual differences in 50-kHz vocalization rate and call subtype prevalence in adult male rats: Comparisons with sucrose preference. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0276743. [PMID: 36301879 PMCID: PMC9612506 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0276743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Sucrose preference (SP) is a widely used measure of anhedonia in rat models of depression, yet depressed patients do not reliably show an analogous deficit. As an alternative affect-related measure, adult rat ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) are attracting interest, but it is unclear whether SP and USVs provide independent measures. Here, we have assessed whether SP and USV emission are correlated in the absence of a depressogenic procedure. To this end, 24 male Long-Evans rats were tested daily for 24 days, with alternating SP tests and USV recordings; after a 3-month hiatus, USV emission was re-evaluated for 6 more days. SP was measured in simultaneous two-bottle choice tests, and USVs were recorded in an open field. The main measures were: SP, 50-kHz call rate, and relative prevalence of trill and flat call subtypes. These measures showed temporally-stable individual differences across the initial 24-day testing period, and at the 3-month USV follow-up tests. Correlational analysis revealed no significant relationships between SP and the three main USV measures. Rats differed consistently, not only in their 50-kHz call rates but also in their 50-kHz call profiles (i.e., the relative prevalence of 14 call subtypes); most rats preferentially emitted either trill or flat calls. Several inter-call subtype associations were detected, including a strong negative relationship between the relative prevalence of flat and trill calls. The 50-kHz call rate was correlated with the relative prevalence of only one call subtype (short calls, negative correlation), but was positively correlated with absolute emission rates for almost all subtypes. In conclusion, adult rats exhibited temporally-stable individual differences over weeks (SP) or months (USVs) of testing. This trait-like stability helped to reveal a lack of relationship between SP and the USV-related variables under study, suggesting that these measures may capture different constructs of possible relevance to animal models of depression.
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Ultrasonic Vocalizations – Novel Seizure-Related Manifestation in Rats. Epilepsy Res 2022; 183:106927. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2022.106927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Demartsev V, Manser MB, Tattersall GJ. Vocalization associated respiration patterns: thermography-based monitoring and detection of preparation for calling. J Exp Biol 2022; 225:274334. [PMID: 35142353 PMCID: PMC8976942 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.243474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Vocal emission requires coordination with the respiratory system. Monitoring the increase in laryngeal pressure, which is needed for vocal production, allows detection of transitions from quiet respiration to vocalization-supporting respiration. Characterization of these transitions could be used to identify preparation for vocal emission and to examine the probability of it manifesting into an actual vocal production event. Specifically, overlaying the subject's respiration with conspecific calls can highlight events of call initiation and suppression, as a means of signalling coordination and avoiding jamming. Here, we present a thermal imaging-based methodology for synchronized respiration and vocalization monitoring of free-ranging meerkats. The sensitivity of this methodology is sufficient for detecting transient changes in the subject's respiration associated with the exertion of vocal production. The differences in respiration are apparent not only during the vocal output, but also prior to it, marking the potential time frame of the respiratory preparation for calling. A correlation between conspecific calls with elongation of the focal subject's respiration cycles could be related to fluctuations in attention levels or in the motivation to reply. This framework can be used for examining the capability for enhanced respiration control in animals during modulated and complex vocal sequences, detecting ‘failed’ vocalization attempts and investigating the role of respiration cues in the regulation of vocal interactions. Summary: A thermography-based methodology for estimating breathing traces in free-ranging meerkats detects changes in respiration associated with the preparation and with the production of vocal signals by combining respiration monitoring with audio recordings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vlad Demartsev
- Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany.,Department for the Ecology of Animal Societies, Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior, Konstanz, Germany.,Kalahari Research Centre, Van Zylsrus, Northern Cape, South Africa
| | - Marta B Manser
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Kalahari Research Centre, Van Zylsrus, Northern Cape, South Africa.,Interdisciplinary Center for the Evolution of Language, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Bigelow LJ, Fiset C, Jarvis JHM, Macleod S, Wöhr M, Benke TA, Bernard PB. Early-life seizures modify behavioral response to ultrasonic vocalization playback in adult rats. Epilepsy Behav 2022; 127:108494. [PMID: 34954511 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2021.108494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Early-life seizures (ELS) are associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD); however, due to a lack of effective treatments for ELS, it is not clear whether ELS plays a causal role, potentiates the ASD phenotype, or is the result of a common pathophysiology. Deficits in communications are a core feature of ASD. To isolate the impact of ELS on communication, we probed the behavioral consequences of a single episode of kainic acid-induced early-life seizures (KA-ELS) in male and female Sprague-Dawley (CD) rats. Deficits in auditory communication were observed in adult male rats as assessed by behavioral response to ultrasonic vocalization (USV) playback. Ultrasonic vocalizations are classified into two major categories - 50-kHz (positive) calls and 22-kHz (aversive) calls. Behavioral response was assessed via rat preference for different USV playback in a radial arm maze. Response to 22-kHz calls was not impacted by ELS while response to 50-kHz calls was impacted. All rats demonstrated positional preference for the arms adjacent to where 50-kHz calls were playing compared to background noise; however, male ELS rats demonstrated a greater positional preference for the arms adjacent to where 50-kHz calls were playing compared to male control rats. These studies demonstrate that responses to socially relevant auditory cues are chronically altered in adult male rats following a single episode of ELS. We speculate that these changes contribute to previously reported social deficits associated with ELS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Logan J Bigelow
- University of Prince Edward Island, Biomedical Sciences, Charlottetown, PE, Canada
| | - Catherine Fiset
- University of Prince Edward Island, Biomedical Sciences, Charlottetown, PE, Canada
| | - Jack H M Jarvis
- University of Prince Edward Island, Biomedical Sciences, Charlottetown, PE, Canada
| | - Sarah Macleod
- University of Prince Edward Island, Biomedical Sciences, Charlottetown, PE, Canada
| | - Markus Wöhr
- 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; Behavioral Neuroscience, Experimental and Biological Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Philipps University of Marburg, Gutenbergstr. 18, D-35032 Marburg, Germany; Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior, Philipps-University of Marburg, Hans-Meerwein-Str. 6, D-35032 Marburg, Germany
| | - Tim A Benke
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Paul B Bernard
- University of Prince Edward Island, Biomedical Sciences, Charlottetown, PE, Canada.
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Heinla I, Chu X, Ågmo A, Snoeren E. Rat ultrasonic vocalizations and novelty-induced social and non-social investigation behavior in a seminatural environment. Physiol Behav 2021; 237:113450. [PMID: 33957149 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2021.113450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Although rats are known to emit ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs), it remains unclear whether these calls serve an auditory communication purpose. For USVs to be part of communication, the vocal signals will need to be a transfer of information between two or more conspecifics, and with the possibility to induce changes in the behavior of the recipient. Therefore, the aim of our study was to investigate the role of USVs in adult rats' social and non-social investigation strategies when introduced into a large novel environment with unfamiliar conspecifics. We quantified a wide range of social and non-social behaviors in the seminatural environment, which could be affected by subtle signals, including USVs. We found that during the first hour in the seminatural environment the ability to vocalize did not affect how quickly adult rats met each other, their overall social investigation behavior, their passive social behavior nor their aggressive behavior. Furthermore, the non-social exploratory behaviors and behaviors reflecting anxiety/stress-like states were also unaffected. These results demonstrated that a disability to vocalize did not result in significant disadvantages (or changes) compared to intact conspecifics regarding social and non-social behaviors. This suggests that other (multi)sensory cues are more relevant in social interactions than USVs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Indrek Heinla
- Department of Psychology, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Norway
| | - Xi Chu
- Department of Psychology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Norway
| | - Anders Ågmo
- Department of Psychology, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Norway
| | - Eelke Snoeren
- Department of Psychology, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Norway.
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Riede T, Schaefer C, Stein A. Role of deep breaths in ultrasonic vocal production of Sprague-Dawley rats. J Neurophysiol 2020; 123:966-979. [PMID: 31967929 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00590.2019] [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] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Deep breaths are one of three breathing patterns in rodents characterized by an increased tidal volume. While humans incorporate deep breaths into vocal behavior, it was unknown whether nonhuman mammals use deep breaths for vocal production. We have utilized subglottal pressure recordings in awake, spontaneously behaving male Sprague-Dawley rats in five contexts: sleep, rest, noxious stimulation, exposure to a female in estrus, and exposure to an unknown male. Deep breaths were produced at rates ranging between 17.5 and 90.3 deep breaths per hour. While overall breathing and vocal rates were higher in social and noxious contexts, the rate of deep breaths was only increased during the male's interaction with a female. Results also inform our understanding of vocal-respiratory integration in rats. The rate of deep breaths that were associated with a vocalization during the exhalation phase increased with vocal activity. The proportion of deep breaths that were associated with a vocalization (on average 22%) was similar to the proportion of sniffing or eupnea breaths that contain a vocalization. Therefore, vocal motor patterns appear to be entrained to the prevailing breathing rhythm, i.e., vocalization uses the available breathing pattern rather than recruiting a specific breathing pattern. Furthermore, the pattern of a deep breath was different when it was associated with a vocalization, suggesting that motor planning occurs. Finally, deep breaths are a source for acoustic variation; for example, call duration and fundamental frequency modulation were both larger in 22-kHz calls produced following a deep inhalation.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The emission of a long, deep, audible breath can express various emotions. The investigation of deep breaths, also known as sighing, in a nonhuman mammal demonstrated the occasional use of deep breaths for vocal production. Similar to the human equivalent, acoustic features of a deep breath vocalization are characteristic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Riede
- Department of Physiology, College of Graduate Studies, Midwestern University, Glendale, Arizona
| | - Charles Schaefer
- Department of Physiology, College of Graduate Studies, Midwestern University, Glendale, Arizona
| | - Amy Stein
- Department of Physiology, College of Graduate Studies, Midwestern University, Glendale, Arizona
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Coffey KR, Marx RE, Neumaier JF. DeepSqueak: a deep learning-based system for detection and analysis of ultrasonic vocalizations. Neuropsychopharmacology 2019; 44:859-868. [PMID: 30610191 PMCID: PMC6461910 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-018-0303-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2018] [Revised: 12/04/2018] [Accepted: 12/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Rodents engage in social communication through a rich repertoire of ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs). Recording and analysis of USVs has broad utility during diverse behavioral tests and can be performed noninvasively in almost any rodent behavioral model to provide rich insights into the emotional state and motor function of the test animal. Despite strong evidence that USVs serve an array of communicative functions, technical and financial limitations have been barriers for most laboratories to adopt vocalization analysis. Recently, deep learning has revolutionized the field of machine hearing and vision, by allowing computers to perform human-like activities including seeing, listening, and speaking. Such systems are constructed from biomimetic, "deep", artificial neural networks. Here, we present DeepSqueak, a USV detection and analysis software suite that can perform human quality USV detection and classification automatically, rapidly, and reliably using cutting-edge regional convolutional neural network architecture (Faster-RCNN). DeepSqueak was engineered to allow non-experts easy entry into USV detection and analysis yet is flexible and adaptable with a graphical user interface and offers access to numerous input and analysis features. Compared to other modern programs and manual analysis, DeepSqueak was able to reduce false positives, increase detection recall, dramatically reduce analysis time, optimize automatic syllable classification, and perform automatic syntax analysis on arbitrarily large numbers of syllables, all while maintaining manual selection review and supervised classification. DeepSqueak allows USV recording and analysis to be added easily to existing rodent behavioral procedures, hopefully revealing a wide range of innate responses to provide another dimension of insights into behavior when combined with conventional outcome measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin R. Coffey
- 0000000122986657grid.34477.33Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98104 USA
| | - Ruby E. Marx
- 0000000122986657grid.34477.33Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98104 USA
| | - John F. Neumaier
- 0000000122986657grid.34477.33Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98104 USA
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Bialy M, Podobinska M, Barski J, Bogacki-Rychlik W, Sajdel-Sulkowska EM. Distinct classes of low frequency ultrasonic vocalizations in rats during sexual interactions relate to different emotional states. Acta Neurobiol Exp (Wars) 2019. [DOI: 10.21307/ane-2019-001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Castellucci GA, Calbick D, McCormick D. The temporal organization of mouse ultrasonic vocalizations. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0199929. [PMID: 30376572 PMCID: PMC6207298 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0199929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2018] [Accepted: 06/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
House mice, like many tetrapods, produce multielement calls consisting of individual vocalizations repeated in rhythmic series. In this study, we examine the multielement ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) of adult male C57Bl/6J mice and specifically assess their temporal properties and organization. We found that male mice produce two classes of USVs which display unique temporal features and arise from discrete respiratory patterns. We also observed that nearly all USVs were produced in repetitive series exhibiting a hierarchical organization and a stereotyped rhythmic structure. Furthermore, series rhythmicity alone was determined to be sufficient for the mathematical discrimination of USVs produced by adult males, adult females, and pups, underscoring the known importance of call timing in USV perception. Finally, the gross spectrotemporal features of male USVs were found to develop continuously from birth and stabilize by P50, suggesting that USV production in infants and adults relies on common biological mechanisms. In conclusion, we demonstrate that the temporal organization of multielement mouse USVs is both stable and informative, and we propose that call timing be explicitly assessed when examining mouse USV production. Furthermore, this is the first report of putative USV classes arising from distinct articulatory patterns in mice, and is the first to empirically define multielement USV series and provide a detailed description of their temporal structure and development. This study therefore represents an important point of reference for the analysis of mouse USVs, a commonly used metric of social behavior in mouse models of human disease, and furthers the understanding of vocalization production in an accessible mammalian species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregg A. Castellucci
- Neuroscience Institute, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States of America
- Haskins Laboratories, New Haven, CT, United States of America
- Department of Genetics, Yale University of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States of America
| | - Daniel Calbick
- Department of Genetics, Yale University of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States of America
| | - David McCormick
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, United States of America
- Department of Biology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, United States of America
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Riede T. Peripheral Vocal Motor Dynamics and Combinatory Call Complexity of Ultrasonic Vocal Production in Rats. HANDBOOK OF ULTRASONIC VOCALIZATION - A WINDOW INTO THE EMOTIONAL BRAIN 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-809600-0.00005-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Riede T, Borgard HL, Pasch B. Laryngeal airway reconstruction indicates that rodent ultrasonic vocalizations are produced by an edge-tone mechanism. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2017; 4:170976. [PMID: 29291091 PMCID: PMC5717665 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.170976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2017] [Accepted: 09/27/2017] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Some rodents produce ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) for social communication using an aerodynamic whistle, a unique vocal production mechanism not found in other animals. The functional anatomy and evolution of this sound production mechanism remains unclear. Using laryngeal airway reconstruction, we identified anatomical specializations critical for USV production. A robust laryngeal cartilaginous framework supports a narrow supraglottal airway. An intralaryngeal airsac-like cavity termed the ventral pouch was present in three muroid rodents (suborder Myomorpha), but was absent in a heteromyid rodent (suborder Castorimorpha) that produces a limited vocal repertoire and no documented USVs. Small lesions to the ventral pouch in laboratory rats caused dramatic changes in USV production, supporting the hypothesis that an interaction between a glottal exit jet and the alar edge generates ultrasonic signals in rodents. The resulting undulating airflow around the alar edge interacts with the resonance of the ventral pouch, which may function as a Helmholtz resonator. The proposed edge-tone mechanism requires control of intrinsic laryngeal muscles and sets the foundation for acoustic variation and diversification among rodents. Our work highlights the importance of anatomical innovations in the evolution of animal sound production mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Riede
- Department of Physiology, Midwestern University, 19555 N 59th Avenue, Glendale, AZ 85308, USA
| | - Heather L. Borgard
- Department of Physiology, Midwestern University, 19555 N 59th Avenue, Glendale, AZ 85308, USA
| | - Bret Pasch
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, 617 S. Beaver Street, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA
- Merriam-Powell Center for Environmental Research, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA
- Center for Bioengineering Innovation, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA
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Burke CJ, Kisko TM, Pellis SM, Euston DR. Avoiding escalation from play to aggression in adult male rats: The role of ultrasonic calls. Behav Processes 2017; 144:72-81. [PMID: 28941795 DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2017.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2017] [Revised: 09/19/2017] [Accepted: 09/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Play fighting is most commonly associated with juvenile animals, but in some species, including rats, it can continue into adulthood. Post-pubertal engagement in play fighting is often rougher and has an increased chance of escalation to aggression, making the use of play signals to regulate the encounter more critical. During play, both juvenile and adult rats emit many 50-kHz calls and some of these may function as play facilitating signals. In the present study, unfamiliar adult male rats were introduced in a neutral enclosure and their social interactions were recorded. While all pairs escalated their playful encounters to become rougher, only the pairs in which one member was devocalized escalated to serious biting. A Monte Carlo shuffling technique was used for the analysis of the correlations between the overt playful and aggressive actions performed and the types and frequencies of various 50-kHz calls that were emitted. The analysis revealed that lower frequency (20-30kHz) calls with a flat component maybe particularly critical for de-escalating encounters and so allowing play to continue. Moreover, coordinating calls reciprocally, with either the same call mimicked in close, temporal association or with complementary calls emitted by participants as they engage in complementary actions (e.g., attacking the nape, being attacked on the nape), appeared to be ways with which calls could be potentially used to avoid escalation to aggression and so sustain playful interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Candace J Burke
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada.
| | - Theresa M Kisko
- Behavioural Neuroscience, Experimental and Biological Psychology, Philipps-University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Sergio M Pellis
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
| | - David R Euston
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
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Knight K. Young rats’ calls assembled like human speech. J Exp Biol 2017. [DOI: 10.1242/jeb.157982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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