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Cox SS, Brown BJ, Wood SK, Brown SJ, Kearns AM, Reichel CM. Neuronal, affective, and sensory correlates of targeted helping behavior in male and female Sprague Dawley rats. Front Behav Neurosci 2024; 18:1384578. [PMID: 38660390 PMCID: PMC11041374 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2024.1384578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Empathic behaviors are driven by the ability to understand the emotional states of others along with the motivation to improve it. Evidence points towards forms of empathy, like targeted helping, in many species including rats. There are several variables that may modulate targeted helping, including sex, sensory modalities, and activity of multiple neural substrates. Methods Using a model of social contact-independent targeted helping, we first tested whether sex differences exist in helping behavior. Next, we explored sex differences in sensory and affective signaling, including direct visualization and an analysis of ultrasonic vocalizations made between animal pairs. Finally, we examined the neural activity in males and females of multiple regions of interest across time. Here, we aim to examine any behavioral differences in our lab's social contact independent targeted helping task between males and females. Results and Discussion These findings are the first to intimate that, like other prosocial behaviors, males and females may exhibit similar social-independent targeted helping behavior, but the underlying sensory communication in males and females may differ. In addition, this is the first set of experiments that explore the neural correlates of social-independent targeted helping in both males and females. These results lay the groundwork for future studies to explore the similarities and differences that drive targeted helping in both sexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stewart S. Cox
- Department of Neurosciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | | | | | | | | | - Carmela M. Reichel
- Department of Neurosciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
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Sharif A, Matsumoto J, Choijiljav C, Badarch A, Setogawa T, Nishijo H, Nishimaru H. Characterization of Ultrasonic Vocalization-Modulated Neurons in Rat Motor Cortex Based on Their Activity Modulation and Axonal Projection to the Periaqueductal Gray. eNeuro 2024; 11:ENEURO.0452-23.2024. [PMID: 38490744 PMCID: PMC10988357 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0452-23.2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Vocalization, a means of social communication, is prevalent among many species, including humans. Both rats and mice use ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) in various social contexts and affective states. The motor cortex is hypothesized to be involved in precisely controlling USVs through connections with critical regions of the brain for vocalization, such as the periaqueductal gray matter (PAG). However, it is unclear how neurons in the motor cortex are modulated during USVs. Moreover, the relationship between USV modulation of neurons and anatomical connections from the motor cortex to PAG is also not clearly understood. In this study, we first characterized the activity patterns of neurons in the primary and secondary motor cortices during emission of USVs in rats using large-scale electrophysiological recordings. We also examined the axonal projection of the motor cortex to PAG using retrograde labeling and identified two clusters of PAG-projecting neurons in the anterior and posterior parts of the motor cortex. The neural activity patterns around the emission of USVs differed between the anterior and posterior regions, which were divided based on the distribution of PAG-projecting neurons in the motor cortex. Furthermore, using optogenetic tagging, we recorded the USV modulation of PAG-projecting neurons in the posterior part of the motor cortex and found that they showed predominantly sustained excitatory responses during USVs. These results contribute to our understanding of the involvement of the motor cortex in the generation of USV at the neuronal and circuit levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aamir Sharif
- Department of System Emotional Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Jumpei Matsumoto
- Department of System Emotional Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
- Research Center for Idling Brain Science, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Chinzorig Choijiljav
- Department of System Emotional Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Amarbayasgalant Badarch
- Department of System Emotional Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Setogawa
- Department of System Emotional Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
- Research Center for Idling Brain Science, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Hisao Nishijo
- Department of System Emotional Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
- Research Center for Idling Brain Science, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
- Department of Sport and Health Sciences, Faculty of Human Sciences, University of East Asia, Shimonoseki 751-0807, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Nishimaru
- Department of System Emotional Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
- Research Center for Idling Brain Science, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
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Rudisch DM, Krasko MN, Barnett DGS, Mueller KD, Russell JA, Connor NP, Ciucci MR. Early ultrasonic vocalization deficits and related thyroarytenoid muscle pathology in the transgenic TgF344-AD rat model of Alzheimer's disease. Front Behav Neurosci 2024; 17:1294648. [PMID: 38322496 PMCID: PMC10844490 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2023.1294648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurologic disease and the most common cause of dementia. Classic pathology in AD is characterized by inflammation, abnormal presence of tau protein, and aggregation of β-amyloid that disrupt normal neuronal function and lead to cell death. Deficits in communication also occur during disease progression and significantly reduce health, well-being, and quality of life. Because clinical diagnosis occurs in the mid-stage of the disease, characterizing the prodrome and early stages in humans is currently challenging. To overcome these challenges, we use the validated TgF344-AD (F344-Tg(Prp-APP, Prp-PS1)19/Rrrc) transgenic rat model that manifests cognitive, behavioral, and neuropathological dysfunction akin to AD in humans. Objectives The overarching goal of our work is to test the central hypothesis that pathology and related behavioral deficits such as communication dysfunction in part manifest in the peripheral nervous system and corresponding target tissues already in the early stages. The primary aims of this study are to test the hypotheses that: (1) changes in ultrasonic vocalizations (USV) occur in the prodromal stage at 6 months of age and worsen at 9 months of age, (2) inflammation as well as AD-related pathology can be found in the thyroarytenoid muscle (TA) at 12 months of age (experimental endpoint tissue harvest), and to (3) demonstrate that the TgF344-AD rat model is an appropriate model for preclinical investigations of early AD-related vocal deficits. Methods USVs were collected from male TgF344-AD (N = 19) and wildtype (WT) Fischer-344 rats (N = 19) at 6 months (N = 38; WT: n = 19; TgF344-AD: n = 19) and 9 months of age (N = 18; WT: n = 10; TgF344-AD: n = 8) and acoustically analyzed for duration, mean power, principal frequency, low frequency, high frequency, peak frequency, and call type. RT-qPCR was used to assay peripheral inflammation and AD-related pathology via gene expressions in the TA muscle of male TgF344-AD rats (n = 6) and WT rats (n = 6) at 12 months of age. Results This study revealed a significant reduction in mean power of ultrasonic calls from 6 to 9 months of age and increased peak frequency levels over time in TgF344-AD rats compared to WT controls. Additionally, significant downregulation of AD-related genes Uqcrc2, Bace2, Serpina3n, and Igf2, as well as downregulation of pro-inflammatory gene Myd88 was found in the TA muscle of TgF344-AD rats at 12 months of age. Discussion Our findings demonstrate early and progressive vocal deficits in the TgF344-AD rat model. We further provide evidence of dysregulation of AD-pathology-related genes as well as inflammatory genes in the TA muscles of TgF344-AD rats in the early stage of the disease, confirming this rat model for early-stage investigations of voice deficits and related pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denis Michael Rudisch
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Department of Surgery, Division of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, UW School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- UW Institute for Clinical and Translational Research, UW School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Maryann N Krasko
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Department of Surgery, Division of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, UW School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - David G S Barnett
- Department of Surgery, Division of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, UW School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Kimberly D Mueller
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Wisconsin Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - John A Russell
- Department of Surgery, Division of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, UW School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Nadine P Connor
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Department of Surgery, Division of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, UW School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Michelle R Ciucci
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Department of Surgery, Division of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, UW School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Neuroscience Training Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
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Coffey KR, Nickelson WB, Dawkins AJ, Neumaier JF. Rapid appearance of negative emotion during oral fentanyl self-administration in male and female rats. Addict Biol 2023; 28:e13344. [PMID: 38017643 PMCID: PMC10745948 DOI: 10.1111/adb.13344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
Opioid use disorder has become an epidemic in the United States, fuelled by the widespread availability of fentanyl, which produces rapid and intense euphoria followed by severe withdrawal and emotional distress. We developed a new preclinical model of fentanyl seeking in outbred male and female rats using volitional oral self-administration (SA) that can be readily applied in labs without intravascular access. Using a traditional two-lever operant procedure, rats learned to take oral fentanyl vigorously, escalated intake across sessions, and readily reinstated responding to conditioned cues after extinction. Oral SA also revealed individual and sex differences that are essential to studying substance use risk propensity. During a behavioural economics task, rats displayed inelastic demand curves and maintained stable intake across a wide range of fentanyl concentrations. Oral SA was also neatly patterned, with distinct 'loading' and 'maintenance' phases of responding within each session. Using our software DeepSqueak, we analysed ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs), which are innate expressions of current emotional state in rats. Rats produced 50 kHz USVs during loading then shifted quickly to 22 kHz calls despite ongoing maintenance of oral fentanyl taking, reflecting a transition to negative reinforcement. Using fibre photometry, we found that the lateral habenula differentially processed drug cues and drug consumption depending on affective state, with potentiated modulation by drug cues and consumption during the negative affective maintenance phase. Together, these results indicate a rapid progression from positive to negative reinforcement occurs even within an active drug taking session, revealing a within-session opponent process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin R. Coffey
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA
| | - William B. Nickelson
- Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Puget Sound VA Health Care System, 1660 S Columbian Way, Seattle, WA 98108
| | - Aliyah J. Dawkins
- Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Puget Sound VA Health Care System, 1660 S Columbian Way, Seattle, WA 98108
| | - John F. Neumaier
- Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Puget Sound VA Health Care System, 1660 S Columbian Way, Seattle, WA 98108
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA
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John SR, Tiwari R, Goussha Y, Amar R, Bizer A, Netser S, Wagner S. Simultaneous recording of ultrasonic vocalizations and sniffing from socially interacting individual rats using a miniature microphone. Cell Rep Methods 2023; 3:100638. [PMID: 37939710 PMCID: PMC10694494 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmeth.2023.100638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Vocalizations are pivotal in mammalian communication, especially in humans. Rodents accordingly rely on ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) that reflect their internal state as a primary channel during social interactions. However, attributing vocalizations to specific individuals remains challenging, impeding internal state assessment. Rats emit 50-kHz USVs to indicate positive states and intensify sniffing during alertness and social interactions. Here, we present a method involving a miniature microphone attached to the rat nasal cavity that allows to capture both male and female individual rat vocalizations and sniffing patterns during social interactions. We found that while the emission of 50-kHz USVs increases during close interactions, these signals lack specific behavioral associations. Moreover, a previously unreported low-frequency vocalization type marking rat social interactions was uncovered. Finally, different dynamics of sniffing and vocalization activities point to distinct underlying internal states. Thus, our method facilitates the exploration of internal states concurrent with social behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanah Rachel John
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
| | - Rishika Tiwari
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
| | - Yizhaq Goussha
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
| | - Rotem Amar
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
| | - Alex Bizer
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
| | - Shai Netser
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel.
| | - Shlomo Wagner
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
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Burgdorf JS, Moskal JR. A prefrontal cortex alpha/delta switch controls the transition from positive to negative affective states. Discov Ment Health 2023; 3:19. [PMID: 37861869 PMCID: PMC10564693 DOI: 10.1007/s44192-023-00044-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Positive and negative emotional states in rats can be studied by investigating ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs). Positive affect in rats is indexed by 50 kHz hedonic USVs, and negative affect is indexed by 22 kHz aversive calls. We examined the relationship of emotional states in rats using medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC) quantitative electroencephalograms (qEEG) and found that hedonic USVs were associated with active wake qEEG (high alpha/low delta power), and aversive USVs occurred with groggy wake qEEG (low alpha/high delta). Further, alpha frequency electrical stimulation of the MPFC induces hedonic calls and reward-seeking behavior, whereas delta frequency stimulation produces aversive calls and avoidance behavior. The brain region responsible for generating motor output for USVs, the periaqueductal gray (PAG), shows a motor-evoked potential that is temporally locked to the alpha (hedonic) and delta (aversive) motor-evoked potential. Closed-loop alpha frequency electrical stimulation could prevent delta qEEG and aversive USVs. At the neuronal circuit level, the alpha rhythm was associated with synaptic long-term potentiation (LTP) in the cortex, whereas the delta rhythm was associated with synaptic depotentiation (LTD) in the cortex. At the pharmacological level, NMDAR and growth factor modulation regulated these forms of neuroplasticity. At the single neuron level, excitatory neurons show increased activity in response to alpha frequencies and decreased activity during delta frequencies. In humans, the feeling of joy increased alpha and decreased delta power in frontal scalp qEEG, and the opposite response was seen for sadness. Thus, the synchronization of alpha/delta oscillations through the neuronal circuit responsible for emotional expression coordinates emotional behavior, and the switch between active wake/positive affect and groggy wake/negative affect is under the control of an LTP- LTD synaptic plasticity mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey S Burgdorf
- Falk Center for Molecular Therapeutics, Department of Biomedical Engineering, McCormick School of Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60201, USA.
- Gate Neurosciences Inc., Carmel, IN, 46032, USA.
| | - Joseph R Moskal
- Falk Center for Molecular Therapeutics, Department of Biomedical Engineering, McCormick School of Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60201, USA
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Lu S, Ang GW, Steadman M, Kozlov AS. Composite receptive fields in the mouse auditory cortex. J Physiol 2023; 601:4091-4104. [PMID: 37578817 PMCID: PMC10952747 DOI: 10.1113/jp285003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
A central question in sensory neuroscience is how neurons represent complex natural stimuli. This process involves multiple steps of feature extraction to obtain a condensed, categorical representation useful for classification and behaviour. It has previously been shown that central auditory neurons in the starling have composite receptive fields composed of multiple features. Whether this property is an idiosyncratic characteristic of songbirds, a group of highly specialized vocal learners or a generic property of sensory processing is unknown. To address this question, we have recorded responses from auditory cortical neurons in mice, and characterized their receptive fields using mouse ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) as a natural and ethologically relevant stimulus and pitch-shifted starling songs as a natural but ethologically irrelevant control stimulus. We have found that these neurons display composite receptive fields with multiple excitatory and inhibitory subunits. Moreover, this was the case with either the conspecific or the heterospecific vocalizations. We then trained the sparse filtering algorithm on both classes of natural stimuli to obtain statistically optimal features, and compared the natural and artificial features using UMAP, a dimensionality-reduction algorithm previously used to analyse mouse USVs and birdsongs. We have found that the receptive-field features obtained with both types of the natural stimuli clustered together, as did the sparse-filtering features. However, the natural and artificial receptive-field features clustered mostly separately. Based on these results, our general conclusion is that composite receptive fields are not a unique characteristic of specialized vocal learners but are likely a generic property of central auditory systems. KEY POINTS: Auditory cortical neurons in the mouse have composite receptive fields with several excitatory and inhibitory features. Receptive-field features capture temporal and spectral modulations of natural stimuli. Ethological relevance of the stimulus affects the estimation of receptive-field dimensionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sihao Lu
- Department of BioengineeringImperial College LondonLondonUK
| | - Grace W.Y. Ang
- Department of BioengineeringImperial College LondonLondonUK
| | - Mark Steadman
- Department of BioengineeringImperial College LondonLondonUK
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Silberstein Y, Felmy F, Scheumann M. Encoding of Arousal and Physical Characteristics in Audible and Ultrasonic Vocalizations of Mongolian Gerbil Pups Testing Common Rules for Mammals. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2553. [PMID: 37627344 PMCID: PMC10451175 DOI: 10.3390/ani13162553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
In mammals, common rules for the encoding of arousal and physical characteristics of the sender are suggested based on a similar vocal production apparatus. In this study, we want to investigate to what extent vocalizations of developing Mongolian gerbil pups fulfill these rules. We recorded vocalizations of 28 Mongolian gerbil pups in four developmental stages using a separation paradigm, suggested to induce different arousal levels. For low arousal, a pup was placed in an arena isolated from its siblings and parents; for high arousal, the pup was additionally stressed through the simulation of a predator. An unsupervised cluster analysis revealed three call types: ultrasonic (USV), audible vocalizations (ADV), and transitions between both (USV-ADV). The USV and USV-ADV rate showed an age-dependent decrease, contrasting an age-dependent increase for ADVs. Vocal correlates for the encoding of arousal were found for USVs and of physical characteristics for USVs and ADVs. However, the pattern of encoding these cues differed between call types and only partly confirmed the common rules suggested for mammals. Our results show that divergent encoding patterns do not only differ between species but also between call types within a species, indicating that coding rules can be shaped by socio-ecological factors or call type specific production mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yara Silberstein
- Institute of Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, 30559 Hannover, Germany
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Sterling ML, Teunisse R, Englitz B. Rodent ultrasonic vocal interaction resolved with millimeter precision using hybrid beamforming. eLife 2023; 12:e86126. [PMID: 37493217 PMCID: PMC10522333 DOI: 10.7554/elife.86126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) fulfill an important role in communication and navigation in many species. Because of their social and affective significance, rodent USVs are increasingly used as a behavioral measure in neurodevelopmental and neurolinguistic research. Reliably attributing USVs to their emitter during close interactions has emerged as a difficult, key challenge. If addressed, all subsequent analyses gain substantial confidence. We present a hybrid ultrasonic tracking system, Hybrid Vocalization Localizer (HyVL), that synergistically integrates a high-resolution acoustic camera with high-quality ultrasonic microphones. HyVL is the first to achieve millimeter precision (~3.4-4.8 mm, 91% assigned) in localizing USVs, ~3× better than other systems, approaching the physical limits (mouse snout ~10 mm). We analyze mouse courtship interactions and demonstrate that males and females vocalize in starkly different relative spatial positions, and that the fraction of female vocalizations has likely been overestimated previously due to imprecise localization. Further, we find that when two male mice interact with one female, one of the males takes a dominant role in the interaction both in terms of the vocalization rate and the location relative to the female. HyVL substantially improves the precision with which social communication between rodents can be studied. It is also affordable, open-source, easy to set up, can be integrated with existing setups, and reduces the required number of experiments and animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max L Sterling
- Computational Neuroscience Lab, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, Netherlands
- Visual Neuroscience Lab, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, Netherlands
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboudumc, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Ruben Teunisse
- Computational Neuroscience Lab, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Bernhard Englitz
- Computational Neuroscience Lab, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, Netherlands
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Jang HB, Ahn D, Kim HK, Guan X, Fan Y, Lee BH, Kim HY. Mediation of lateral hypothalamus orexin input to lateral habenula in the inhibitory effects of mechanical stimulation on psychomotor responses induced by cocaine. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1195939. [PMID: 37501724 PMCID: PMC10369078 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1195939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The lateral hypothalamus (LH) plays an important physiological role in brain function and also plays an important role in substance abuse. The neuropeptides called orexin (or hypocretins) have been identified as being located exclusively in the cell bodies of the LH. Our previous studies have demonstrated that mechanical stimulation (MS) of the ulnar nerve produces strong inhibitory effects on cocaine addiction-like behaviors through activation of LH projection to the lateral habenula (LHb). Methods Therefore, the present study hypothesized that ulnar MS would suppress the psychomotor responses induced by cocaine through the orexinergic LH-to-LHb pathway. Results Ulnar MS attenuated cocaine enhancement of locomotor activity and 50-kHz ultrasonic vocalizations, which was prevented by antagonism of orexin-receptor type 2 (OX2R) in the LHb. Injection of orexin-A into the LHb reduced the cocaine-induced psychomotor responses. MS of the ulnar nerve excited LH orexinergic neurons. In addition, the excitation of LHb neurons by MS was blocked by the systemic administration of an OX2R antagonist. Discussion These findings suggest that MS applied to the ulnar nerve recruits an orexinergic LH-to-LHb pathway to suppress the psychomotor responses induced by cocaine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Byeol Jang
- Department of Physiology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Physiology, College of Korean Medicine, Daegu Haany University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - DanBi Ahn
- Department of Physiology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Physiology, College of Korean Medicine, Daegu Haany University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyung Kyu Kim
- Department of Physiology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Xiaowei Guan
- Department of Human Anatomy and Histoembryology, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Yu Fan
- Department of Human Anatomy and Histoembryology, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Bae Hwan Lee
- Department of Physiology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee Young Kim
- Department of Physiology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Tryon SC, Sakamoto IM, Kaigler KF, Gee G, Turner J, Bartley K, Fadel JR, Wilson MA. ChAT::Cre transgenic rats show sex-dependent altered fear behaviors, ultrasonic vocalizations and cholinergic marker expression. Genes Brain Behav 2023; 22:e12837. [PMID: 36636833 PMCID: PMC9994175 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The cholinergic system is a critical regulator of Pavlovian fear learning and extinction. As such, we have begun investigating the cholinergic system's involvement in individual differences in cued fear extinction using a transgenic ChAT::Cre rat model. The current study extends behavioral phenotyping of a transgenic ChAT::Cre rat line by examining both freezing behavior and ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) during a Pavlovian cued fear learning and extinction paradigm. Freezing, 22 kHz USVs, and 50 kHz USVs were compared between male and female transgenic ChAT::Cre+ rats and their wildtype (Cre-) littermates during fear learning, contextual and cue-conditioned fear recall, cued fear extinction, and generalization to a novel tone. During contextual and cued fear recall ChAT::Cre+ rats froze slightly more than their Cre- littermates, and displayed significant sex differences in contextual and cue-conditioned freezing, 22 kHz USVs, and 50 kHz USVs. Females showed more freezing than males in fear recall trials, but fewer 22 kHz distress calls during fear learning and recall. Females also produced more 50 kHz USVs during exposure to the testing chambers prior to tone (or shock) presentation compared with males, but this effect was blunted in ChAT::Cre+ females. Corroborating previous studies, ChAT::Cre+ transgenic rats overexpressed vesicular acetylcholine transporter immunolabeling in basal forebrain, striatum, basolateral amygdala, and hippocampus, but had similar levels of acetylcholinesterase and numbers of ChAT+ neurons as Cre- rats. This study suggests that variance in behavior between ChAT::Cre+ and wildtype rats is sex dependent and advances theories that distinct neural circuits and processes regulate sexually divergent fear responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah C Tryon
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Iris M Sakamoto
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Kris F Kaigler
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Gabriella Gee
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Jarrett Turner
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Katherine Bartley
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Jim R Fadel
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Marlene A Wilson
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, South Carolina, USA.,Columbia VA Health Care System, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
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12
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Winters C, Gorssen W, Wöhr M, D’Hooge R. BAMBI: A new method for automated assessment of bidirectional early-life interaction between maternal behavior and pup vocalization in mouse dam-pup dyads. Front Behav Neurosci 2023; 17:1139254. [PMID: 36935889 PMCID: PMC10020184 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2023.1139254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Vital early-life dyadic interaction in mice requires a pup to signal its needs adequately, and a dam to recognize and respond to the pup's cues accurately and timely. Previous research might have missed important biological and/or environmental elements of this complex bidirectional interaction, because it often focused on one dyadic member only. In laboratory rodents, the Pup Retrieval Test (PRT) is the leading procedure to assess pup-directed maternal care. The present study describes BAMBI (Bidirectional Automated Mother-pup Behavioral Interaction test), a novel automated PRT methodology based on synchronous video recording of maternal behavior and audio recording of pup vocalizations, which allows to assess bidirectional dam-pup dyadic interaction. We were able to estimate pup retrieval and pup vocalization parameters accurately in 156 pups from 29 dams on postnatal days (PND) 5, 7, 9, 11, and 13. Moreover, we showed an association between number of emitted USVs and retrieval success, indicating dyadic interdependency and bidirectionality. BAMBI is a promising new automated home-cage behavioral method that can be applied to both basic and preclinical studies investigating complex phenotypes related to early-life social development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Winters
- Laboratory of Biological Psychology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- *Correspondence: Carmen Winters, ,
| | - Wim Gorssen
- Department of Biosystems, Center for Animal Breeding and Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Markus Wöhr
- Laboratory of Biological Psychology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- 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
- 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
| | - Rudi D’Hooge
- Laboratory of Biological Psychology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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13
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Laine MA, Mitchell JR, Rhyner J, Clark R, Kannan A, Keith J, Pikus M, Bergeron E, Ravaglia I, Ulgenturk E, Shinde A, Shansky RM. Sounding the Alarm: Sex Differences in Rat Ultrasonic Vocalizations during Pavlovian Fear Conditioning and Extinction. eNeuro 2022; 9:ENEURO. [PMID: 36443006 DOI: 10.1523/ENEURO.0382-22.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Pavlovian fear conditioning is a prevalent tool in the study of aversive learning, which is a key component of stress-related psychiatric disorders. Adult rats can exhibit various threat-related behaviors, including freezing, motor responses, and ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs). While these responses can all signal aversion, we know little about how they relate to one another. Here we characterize USVs emitted by male and female rats during cued fear acquisition and extinction, and assess the relationship between different threat-related behaviors. We found that males consistently emitted >22 kHz calls (referred to here as "alarm calls") than females, and that alarm call frequency in males, but not females, related to the intensity of the shock stimulus. Interestingly, 25% of males and 45% of females did not emit any alarm calls at all. Males that did make alarm calls had significantly higher levels of freezing than males who did not, while no differences in freezing were observed between female Alarm callers and Non-alarm callers. Alarm call emission was also affected by the predictability of the shock; when unpaired from a tone cue, both males and females started emitting alarm calls significantly later. During extinction learning and retrieval sessions, males were again more likely than females to emit alarm calls, which followed an extinction-like reduction in frequency. Collectively these data suggest sex dependence in how behavioral readouts relate to innate and conditioned threat responses. Importantly, we suggest that the same behaviors can signal sex-dependent features of aversion.
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14
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Santana‐Coelho D, Womble PD, Blandin KJ, Pilcher JB, O'Neill GM, Douglas LA, Chilukuri SV, Tran DLK, Wiley TA, Lugo JN. Assessment of the effects of sex, age, and rearing condition on ultrasonic vocalizations elicited by pups during the maternal potentiation paradigm in C57BL/6J mice. Dev Psychobiol 2022; 64:e22341. [PMID: 36426792 PMCID: PMC9828101 DOI: 10.1002/dev.22341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Isolation-induced ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) are important to elicit parental retrieval. This behavior is critical for the animal's survival and can be altered in models of developmental disorders. The potentiation of vocalizations in response to reunion with the dam, also called maternal potentiation, has been extensively studied in rats. However, the assessment of this paradigm in mice is scarce. In rats, the potentiation of vocalizations is dependent on rearing conditions. Since mice are the main species used for genetic models of diseases, we aimed to investigate how different factors such as age, sex, and rearing conditions can affect the potentiation of vocalizations in the maternal potentiation paradigm in mice. We carried out experiments using biparental (dam and sire) or uniparental rearing (dam). Pups were tested on postnatal days (PD) 9 or 12. Pups showed increased potentiation in both sexes at PD9 with uniparental rearing. Both rearing conditions and ages changed the repertoire from the first to the second isolation. Spectral parameters were affected by sex, rearing condition and reunion at PD9. At PD12, only duration was altered by reunion. We conclude that the performance of the pups in the maternal potentiation paradigm is dependent on age, sex, and rearing condition.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Paige D. Womble
- Department of Psychology and NeuroscienceBaylor UniversityWacoTexasUSA
| | | | - Jacob B. Pilcher
- Department of Psychology and NeuroscienceBaylor UniversityWacoTexasUSA
| | - Grace M. O'Neill
- Department of Psychology and NeuroscienceBaylor UniversityWacoTexasUSA
| | | | | | - Doan L. K. Tran
- Department of Psychology and NeuroscienceBaylor UniversityWacoTexasUSA
| | - Taylor A. Wiley
- Department of Psychology and NeuroscienceBaylor UniversityWacoTexasUSA
| | - Joaquin N. Lugo
- Department of Psychology and NeuroscienceBaylor UniversityWacoTexasUSA
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15
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Burke CJ, Pellis SM, Achterberg EJM. Who's laughing? Play, tickling and ultrasonic vocalizations in rats. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2022; 377:20210184. [PMID: 36126668 PMCID: PMC9489288 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2021.0184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Social play in rats is a highly rewarding, energetic form of social interaction and important for development of the brain and social skills. The 50 kHz ultrasonic vocalizations (USV) emitted during social play are thought to be an expression of a positive affective state (laughter), which in some situations may also function as communication signals. Heterospecific play, 'tickling' by an experimenter, is thought to simulate conspecific play, and has been used to improve welfare and to study the neurobiology of positive affect. Given that tickling evokes substantial amounts of USV, we investigated whether heterospecific play is simulating conspecific play by comparing USV-behaviour associations in both contexts. If the 50 kHz calls are merely an expression of 'laughter' then the pattern and type of emission in both contexts should be similar. By contrast, as playing with a conspecific involves a two-way exchange of signalling, the additional demands on communication should lead to a different pattern of calling. While calling was prevalent in both types of play, how the different types of 50 kHz calls are used in the two contexts differed markedly. The findings suggest that while conspecific and heterospecific play are positive experiences, tickling is not the equivalent of conspecific play. This article is part of the theme issue 'Cracking the laugh code: laughter through the lens of biology, psychology and neuroscience'.
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Affiliation(s)
- C J Burke
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, 4401 University Drive West, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada T1 K 3M4
| | - S M Pellis
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, 4401 University Drive West, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada T1 K 3M4
| | - E J M Achterberg
- Behavioural Neuroscience Division, Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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16
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Yamauchi T, Yoshioka T, Yamada D, Hamano T, Ikeda M, Kamei M, Otsuki T, Sato Y, Nii K, Suzuki M, Iriyama S, Yoshizawa K, Nishino S, Ichikawa H, Miyazaki S, Saitoh A. High-frequency ultrasound exposure improves depressive-like behavior in an olfactory bulbectomized rat model of depression. Neuroreport 2022; 33:445-449. [PMID: 35703736 PMCID: PMC9154295 DOI: 10.1097/wnr.0000000000001804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES According to previous studies, ultrasound exposure appears to be a noninvasive method for modulating brain activity related to cognition and consciousness; however, its effects on emotional states remain unclear. Therefore, an animal model is required in which the effects and effect mechanisms of ultrasound exposure can be investigated. Thus, we used olfactory bulbectomized rats as an animal model of depression and investigated their emotional state following ultrasound exposure. METHODS In male Wistar/ST olfactory bulbectomized rats, hyperemotionality was evaluated according to hyperemotionality scoring and the scores before and after 24-h ultrasound exposure were compared. Elevated plus maze (EPM) tests were also conducted after 24-h ultrasound exposure, and blood samples were collected in which plasma corticosterone concentrations were measured. RESULTS Following exposure to high-frequency (~50 kHz) ultrasound vocalizations (USVs) associated with the pleasant emotions of rats, the hyperemotionality scores of olfactory bulbectomized rats were significantly reduced. Additionally, the latency of the first entry into the open arm of the EPM was significantly decreased in USV-exposed olfactory bulbectomized rats, as were their plasma corticosterone levels. Furthermore, artificial ultrasound (50 kHz) at a similar frequency to that of USV also significantly decreased the hyperemotionality score of olfactory bulbectomized rats. CONCLUSIONS Ultrasound exposure improved depressive-like behavior in olfactory bulbectomized rats and reduced their plasma corticosterone levels. Thus, we recommend the use of olfactory bulbectomized rats as an animal model for investigating the effects and effect mechanisms of ultrasound exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsugumi Yamauchi
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science
- Laboratory of Psychology, Noda Division, Institute of Arts and Sciences, Tokyo University of Science
| | - Toshinori Yoshioka
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science
| | - Daisuke Yamada
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science
| | - Takumi Hamano
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Satoshi Iriyama
- Laboratory of Quantum information dynamics, Department of Information Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science
| | - Kazumi Yoshizawa
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science
| | | | - Hiroko Ichikawa
- Laboratory of Psychology, Noda Division, Institute of Arts and Sciences, Tokyo University of Science
| | - Satoru Miyazaki
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science
| | - Akiyoshi Saitoh
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science
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17
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Gachomba MJM, Esteve-Agraz J, Caref K, Maroto AS, Bortolozzo-Gleich MH, Laplagne DA, Márquez C. Multimodal cues displayed by submissive rats promote prosocial choices by dominants. Curr Biol 2022; 32:3288-3301.e8. [PMID: 35803272 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2022.06.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Animals often display prosocial behaviors, performing actions that benefit others. Although prosociality is essential for social bonding and cooperation, we still know little about how animals integrate behavioral cues from those in need to make decisions that increase their well-being. To address this question, we used a two-choice task where rats can provide rewards to a conspecific in the absence of self-benefit and investigated which conditions promote prosociality by manipulating the social context of the interacting animals. Although sex or degree of familiarity did not affect prosocial choices in rats, social hierarchy revealed to be a potent modulator, with dominant decision-makers showing faster emergence and higher levels of prosocial choices toward their submissive cage mates. Leveraging quantitative analysis of multimodal social dynamics prior to choice, we identified that pairs with dominant decision-makers exhibited more proximal interactions. Interestingly, these closer interactions were driven by submissive animals that modulated their position and movement following their dominants and whose 50-kHz vocalization rate correlated with dominants' prosociality. Moreover, Granger causality revealed stronger bidirectional influences in pairs with dominant focals and submissive recipients, indicating increased behavioral coordination. Finally, multivariate analysis highlighted body language as the main information dominants use on a trial-by-trial basis to learn that their actions have effects on others. Our results provide a refined understanding of the behavioral dynamics that rats use for action-selection upon perception of socially relevant cues and navigate social decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Joe Munyua Gachomba
- Neural Circuits of Social Behaviour Laboratory, Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (UMH-CSIC), Sant Joan d'Alacant, Alicante, Spain
| | - Joan Esteve-Agraz
- Neural Circuits of Social Behaviour Laboratory, Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (UMH-CSIC), Sant Joan d'Alacant, Alicante, Spain
| | - Kevin Caref
- Neural Circuits of Social Behaviour Laboratory, Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (UMH-CSIC), Sant Joan d'Alacant, Alicante, Spain
| | - Aroa Sanz Maroto
- Neural Circuits of Social Behaviour Laboratory, Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (UMH-CSIC), Sant Joan d'Alacant, Alicante, Spain
| | - Maria Helena Bortolozzo-Gleich
- Neural Circuits of Social Behaviour Laboratory, Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (UMH-CSIC), Sant Joan d'Alacant, Alicante, Spain
| | - Diego Andrés Laplagne
- Laboratory of Behavioural Neurophysiology, Brain Institute, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Cristina Márquez
- Neural Circuits of Social Behaviour Laboratory, Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (UMH-CSIC), Sant Joan d'Alacant, Alicante, Spain.
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18
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Kirsten TB, Silva EP, Biondi TF, Rodrigues PS, Cardoso CV, Massironi SMG, Mori CMC, Bondan EF, Bernardi MM. Bate palmas mutant mice as a model of Kabuki syndrome: Higher susceptibility to infections and vocalization impairments? J Neurosci Res 2022; 100:1438-1451. [PMID: 35362120 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.25050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The recessive mutant mouse bate palmas (bapa) arose from N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea mutagenesis. Previous studies of our group revealed some behavioral impairments and a mutation in the lysine (K)-specific methyltransferase 2D (Kmt2d) gene. Because mutations in the KMT2D gene in humans are mainly responsible for Kabuki syndrome, this study was proposed to validate bapa mice as a model of Kabuki syndrome. Besides other symptoms, Kabuki syndrome is characterized by increased susceptibility to infections and speech impairments, usually diagnosed in the early childhood. Thus, juvenile male and female bapa mice were studied in different developmental stages (prepubertal period and puberty). To induce sickness behavior and to study infection susceptibility responses, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was used. To study oral communication, ultrasonic vocalizations were evaluated. Behavioral (open-field test) and central (astrocytic glial fibrillary acidic protein [GFAP] and tyrosine hydroxylase [TH]) evaluations were also performed. Control and bapa female mice emitted 31-kHz ultrasounds on prepubertal period when exploring a novel environment, a frequency not yet described for mice, being defined as 31-kHz exploratory vocalizations. Males, LPS, and puberty inhibited these vocalizations. Bapa mice presented increased motor/exploratory behaviors on prepubertal period due to increased striatal TH expression, revealing striatal dopaminergic system hyperactivity. Combining open-field behavior and GFAP expression, bapa mice did not develop LPS tolerance, that is, they remained expressing signs of sickness behavior after LPS challenge, being more susceptible to infectious/inflammatory processes. It was concluded that bapa mice is a robust experimental model of Kabuki syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thiago B Kirsten
- Psychoneuroimmunology Laboratory, Program in Environmental and Experimental Pathology, Paulista University, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ericka P Silva
- Psychoneuroimmunology Laboratory, Program in Environmental and Experimental Pathology, Paulista University, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Thalles F Biondi
- Psychoneuroimmunology Laboratory, Program in Environmental and Experimental Pathology, Paulista University, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Paula S Rodrigues
- Psychoneuroimmunology Laboratory, Program in Environmental and Experimental Pathology, Paulista University, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carolina V Cardoso
- Psychoneuroimmunology Laboratory, Program in Environmental and Experimental Pathology, Paulista University, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Silvia M G Massironi
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Claudia M C Mori
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Eduardo F Bondan
- Psychoneuroimmunology Laboratory, Program in Environmental and Experimental Pathology, Paulista University, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria M Bernardi
- Psychoneuroimmunology Laboratory, Program in Environmental and Experimental Pathology, Paulista University, São Paulo, Brazil
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19
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Mayberry HL, DeSalvo HA, Bavley CC, Downey SH, Lam C, Kunta C, Fortuna RP, Doshi PH, Smedley EB, Wimmer ME. Opioid and Sucrose Craving Are Accompanied by Unique Behavioral and Affective Profiles after Extended Abstinence in Male and Female Rats. eNeuro 2022; 9:ENEURO. [PMID: 35241453 DOI: 10.1523/ENEURO.0515-21.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [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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20
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Subhadeep D, Srikumar BN, Shankaranarayana Rao BS, Kutty BM. Ventral subicular lesion impairs pro-social empathy-like behavior in adult Wistar rats. Neurosci Lett 2022; 776:136535. [PMID: 35182682 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2022.136535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The subiculum, an important structure of the hippocampal formation, regulates spatial information processing, social cognition, and affective behavior. Earlier we demonstrated deficits in sociability and social novelty as a measure of social cognition in ventral subicular lesioned (VSL) rats. The present study investigated empathy-like pro-social behavior and the associated affective states in VSL rats. The ability of free rats to release trapped cagemates was assessed using a modified door-opening empathy task.The rat pairs (free rat and the trapped cagemate) used were from the same group and tested for eight days to assess the pro-social behavior displayed by the free rats. The controlfree rats learned to open the door quickly to release the trapped cagemate and both the rats displayed social responses by emitting 'hedonic' calls (50-kHz ultrasonic vocalizations) while playing after the release. The VSLfree rats, however, were less exploratory, displayed apathy towards the trapped cagemate, demonstrated freezing behavior following door-opening and did not interact with the cagemate even after its release. These findings indicate deficits of social motivation and reinforcement learning associated with lesions in possibly both the rats. In addition, the VSL rat pairs elicited more 22-kHz 'alarm' calls and fewer 50-kHz 'hedonic' calls highlighting the lesion-induced alterations of contextual processing and threat perception abilities. In conclusion, VSL led to significant pro-social deficits implicating the role of ventral subiculum in social cognition and empathy. More studies are needed to substantiate whether the subiculum is implicated in social deficits associated with psychiatric conditions such as autism spectrum disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duttagupta Subhadeep
- Department of Neurophysiology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), Hosur Road, Bengaluru, 560 029, India
| | - B N Srikumar
- Department of Neurophysiology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), Hosur Road, Bengaluru, 560 029, India
| | - B S Shankaranarayana Rao
- Department of Neurophysiology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), Hosur Road, Bengaluru, 560 029, India
| | - Bindu M Kutty
- Department of Neurophysiology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), Hosur Road, Bengaluru, 560 029, India.
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21
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Abstract
Rough-and-tumble play or play fighting is an important experience in the juvenile period of many species of mammals, as it facilitates the development of social skills, and for some species, play fighting is retained into adulthood as a tool for assessing and managing social relationships. Laboratory rats have been a model species for studying the neurobiology of play fighting and its key developmental and social functions. However, play fighting interactions are complex, involving competition and cooperation; therefore, no single measure to quantify this behavior is able to capture all its facets. Therefore, in this paper, we present a multilayered framework for scoring all the relevant facets of play that can be affected by experimental manipulations and the logic of how to match what is measured with the question being asked. © 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Pellis
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Canada
| | - V C Pellis
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Canada
| | - C J Burke
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Canada
| | - R A Stark
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Canada
| | - J R Ham
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Canada
| | - D R Euston
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Canada
| | - E J M Achterberg
- Division Behavioural Neuroscience, Unit Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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22
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Vielle C, Montanari C, Pelloux Y, Baunez C. Evidence for a vocal signature in the rat and its reinforcing effects: a key role for the subthalamic nucleus. Proc Biol Sci 2021; 288:20212260. [PMID: 34905707 PMCID: PMC8670952 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2021.2260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Although rodents have a well-structured vocal form of communication, like humans and non-human primates, there is, to date, no evidence for a vocal signature in the well-known 50- and 22-kHz ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) emitted by rats. Here, we show that rats can recognize the identity of the USV emitter since they choose to preferentially self-administer playback of 50-kHz USVs emitted by a stranger rat over those of their cagemate. In a second experiment, we show that only stranger, but not familiar, 50-kHz USVs reduce cocaine self-administration. Finally, to study the neurobiological substrate of these processes, we have shown that subthalamic nucleus (STN)-lesioned rats did not lever press much for any USV playback, whatever their emotional valence, nor did they seem able to differentiate familiar from stranger peer. Advocating for the existence of a vocal signature in rats, these results highlight the importance of ultrasonic communication in the socio-affective influence of behaviour, such as the influence of proximal social factors on drug consumption and confirm the role of the STN on this influence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassandre Vielle
- Institut de Neurosciences de la Timone, UMR 7289 CNRS and Aix-Marseille Université, 27 Boulevard Jean Moulin, Marseille 13005, France
| | - Christian Montanari
- Institut de Neurosciences de la Timone, UMR 7289 CNRS and Aix-Marseille Université, 27 Boulevard Jean Moulin, Marseille 13005, France
| | - Yann Pelloux
- Institut de Neurosciences de la Timone, UMR 7289 CNRS and Aix-Marseille Université, 27 Boulevard Jean Moulin, Marseille 13005, France
| | - Christelle Baunez
- Institut de Neurosciences de la Timone, UMR 7289 CNRS and Aix-Marseille Université, 27 Boulevard Jean Moulin, Marseille 13005, France
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23
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Jada R, Zag L, Borisov V, Levy NS, Netser S, Jabarin R, Wagner S, Schragenheim-Rozales K, Shalgi R, Levy AP. Housing of A350V IQSEC2 pups at 37 °C ambient temperature prevents seizures and permits the development of social vocalizations in adulthood. Int J Hyperthermia 2021; 38:1495-1501. [PMID: 34666607 DOI: 10.1080/02656736.2021.1988730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Mutations in the human IQSEC2 gene are associated with drug-resistant epilepsy and severe behavioral dysfunction. We have focused on understanding one human IQSEC2 missense mutation (A350V) for which we have created a corresponding A350V IQSEC2 mouse model by CRISPR which demonstrates seizures when the mice are 15-20 days old and impaired social vocalizations in adulthood. We observed that a child with the A350V mutation stops having seizures when experiencing a fever of greater than 38 °C. In this study, we first sought to determine if we could recapitulate this phenomenon in A350V 15-20 day old mice using a previously established protocol to raise body temperature to 39 °C achieved by housing the mice at 37 °C. We then sought to determine if mice in whom seizure activity had been prevented as pups would develop social vocalization activity in adulthood. METHODS 15-20 day old A350V male mice were housed either at 37 °C or 22 °C. Ultrasonic vocalizations of these mice were assessed at 8-10 weeks in response to a female stimulus. RESULTS Housing of 15-20 day old A350V mice at 37 °C resulted in a reduction in lethal seizures to 2% (1/41) compared to 45% (48/108) in mice housed at 22 °C, p = 0.0001. Adult A350V mice who had been housed at 37 °C as pups displayed a significant improvement in the production of social vocalizations. CONCLUSION Raising the body temperature by raising the ambient temperature might provide a means to reduce seizures associated with the A350V IQSEC2 mutation and thereby allow for an improved neurodevelopmental trajectory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reem Jada
- Technion Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Liron Zag
- Technion Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Veronika Borisov
- Technion Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Nina S Levy
- Technion Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Shai Netser
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Sagol Department of Neurobiology, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Renad Jabarin
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Sagol Department of Neurobiology, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Shlomo Wagner
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Sagol Department of Neurobiology, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | | | - Reut Shalgi
- Technion Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Andrew P Levy
- Technion Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
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24
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Burke CJ, Markovina M, Pellis SM, Euston DR. Rat 50 kHz Trill Calls Are Tied to the Expectation of Social Interaction. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11091142. [PMID: 34573164 PMCID: PMC8468548 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11091142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Rats emit a variety of calls in the 40–80 kHz range (50 kHz calls). While these calls are generally associated with positive affect, it is unclear whether certain calls might be used selectively in certain contexts. To examine this, we looked at ultrasonic calls in 30–40 day old male rats during the expectation of either play or food, both of which are reinforcing. Behavior and vocalizations were recorded while rats were in a test chamber awaiting the arrival of a play partner or food over seven days of testing. Control groups were included for the non-specific effects of food deprivation and social isolation. Play reward led to an increase in 50 kHz vocalizations, generally, with specific increases in trill and “trill with jump” calls not seen in other groups. Expectation of food reward did not lead to a significant increase in vocalizations of any type, perhaps due to the young age of our study group. Further, rats that were food deprived for the food expectation study showed markedly lower calls overall and had a different profile of call types compared to rats that were socially isolated. Taken together, the results suggest that trill-associated calls may be used selectively when rats are socially isolated and/or expecting a social encounter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Candace J. Burke
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada; (C.J.B.); (S.M.P.)
| | - Mariya Markovina
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada;
| | - Sergio M. Pellis
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada; (C.J.B.); (S.M.P.)
| | - David R. Euston
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada; (C.J.B.); (S.M.P.)
- Correspondence:
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25
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Dao AN, Beacher NJ, Mayr V, Montemarano A, Hammer S, West MO. Chronic Fentanyl Self-Administration Generates a Shift toward Negative Affect in Rats during Drug Use. Brain Sci 2021; 11:1064. [PMID: 34439683 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11081064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Drug addiction is thought to be driven by negative reinforcement, and it is thought that a shift from positive affect upon initial exposure to negative affect after chronic exposure to a drug is responsible for maintaining self-administration (SA) in addicted individuals. This can be modeled in rats by analyzing ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs), a type of intraspecies communication indicative of affective state based on the frequency of the emission: calls in the 22 kHz range indicate negative affect, whereas calls in the 50 kHz range indicate positive affect. We employed a voluntary chronic, long-access model of fentanyl SA to analyze affective changes in the response to chronic fentanyl exposure. Male Sprague-Dawley rats self-administered either fentanyl (N = 7) or saline (N = 6) for 30 consecutive days and USVs were recorded at four different time points: the day before the first SA session (PRE), the first day of SA (T01), the last day of SA (T30), and the first day of abstinence (ABS). At T01, the ratio of 50 to 22 kHz calls was similar between the fentanyl and saline groups, but at T30, the ratio differed between groups, with the fentanyl group showing significantly fewer 50 kHz calls and more 22 kHz calls relative to saline animals. These results indicate a shift toward a negative affect during drug use after chronic exposure to fentanyl and support negative reinforcement as a main driving factor of opioid addiction.
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26
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Olszyński KH, Polowy R, Wardak AD, Grymanowska AW, Filipkowski RK. Increased Vocalization of Rats in Response to Ultrasonic Playback as a Sign of Hypervigilance Following Fear Conditioning. Brain Sci 2021; 11:970. [PMID: 34439589 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11080970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
We investigated the effects of prior stress on rats' responses to 50-kHz (appetitive) and 22-kHz (aversive) ultrasonic playback. Rats were treated with 0, 1, 6 or 10 shocks (1 s, 1.0 mA each) and were exposed to playbacks the following day. Previous findings were confirmed: (i) rats moved faster during 50-kHz playback and slowed down after 22-kHz playback; (ii) they all approached the speaker, which was more pronounced during and following 50-kHz playback than 22-kHz playback; (iii) 50-kHz playback caused heart rate (HR) increase; 22-kHz playback caused HR decrease; (iv) the rats vocalized more often during and following 50-kHz playback than 22-kHz playback. The previous shock affected the rats such that singly-shocked rats showed lower HR throughout the experiment and a smaller HR response to 50-kHz playback compared to controls and other shocked groups. Interestingly, all pre-shocked rats showed higher locomotor activity during 50-kHz playback and a more significant decrease in activity following 22-kHz playback; they vocalized more often, their ultrasonic vocalizations (USV) were longer and at a higher frequency than those of the control animals. These last two observations could point to hypervigilance, a symptom of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in human patients. Increased vocalization may be a valuable measure of hypervigilance used for PTSD modeling.
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27
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Luchetti A, Di Segni M, Andolina D, Ventura R, Battaglia M, D'Amato FR. Mouse model of panic disorder: Vulnerability to early environmental instability is strain-dependent. Dev Psychobiol 2021; 63:e22135. [PMID: 34196403 DOI: 10.1002/dev.22135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Early life experiences and genetic background shape phenotypic variation. Several mouse models based on early treatments have evaluated short- and long-term phenotypic alterations and explored their molecular mechanisms. The instability of maternal cues was used to model human separation anxiety in outbred mice, one of the etiopathogenetic factors that predict panic disorder (PD). Application of the repeated cross-fostering (RCF) protocol to inbred strains (C57 and DBA) allowed us to measure differential responses to the same experimental manipulation. Ultrasounds emitted during isolation indicated that after RCF, pups from both strains lose their ability to be comforted by nest cues, but the frequency modulation of separation calls increased in RCF-C57 and decreased in RCF-DBA mice. No strain-specific difference in olfactory ability explained these responses in RCF-exposed mice. Rather, disruption of the infant-mother bond may differentially affect separation calls in the two strains. Moreover, the RCF-associated increased respiratory response to hypercapnia-an endophenotype of human PD documented among mice outbred strains-was replicated in the C57 strain only. We suggest that RCF-induced instability of the early environment affects emotionality and respiratory physiology differentially, depending on pups' genetic background. These strain-specific responses provide a lead to understand differential vulnerability to emotional disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Luchetti
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council, Monterotondo, Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Di Segni
- Department of Psychology and Center "Daniel Bovet,", Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.,IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Diego Andolina
- Department of Psychology and Center "Daniel Bovet,", Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Rossella Ventura
- Department of Psychology and Center "Daniel Bovet,", Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Battaglia
- Department of Psychiatry, the University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Child, Youth and Emerging Adults Programme, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada
| | - Francesca Romana D'Amato
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council, Monterotondo, Rome, Italy
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28
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Willadsen M, Uengoer M, Sługocka A, Schwarting RK, Homberg JR, Wöhr M. Fear Extinction and Predictive Trait-Like Inter-Individual Differences in Rats Lacking the Serotonin Transporter. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22137088. [PMID: 34209318 PMCID: PMC8268876 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22137088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Anxiety disorders are associated with a failure to sufficiently extinguish fear memories. The serotonergic system (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) with the 5-HT transporter (5-HTT, SERT) is strongly implicated in the regulation of anxiety and fear. In the present study, we examined the effects of SERT deficiency on fear extinction in a differential fear conditioning paradigm in male and female rats. Fear-related behavior displayed during acquisition, extinction, and recovery, was measured through quantification of immobility and alarm 22-kHz ultrasonic vocalizations (USV). Trait-like inter-individual differences in novelty-seeking, anxiety-related behavior, habituation learning, cognitive performance, and pain sensitivity were examined for their predictive value in forecasting fear extinction. Our results show that SERT deficiency strongly affected the emission of 22-kHz USV during differential fear conditioning. During acquisition, extinction, and recovery, SERT deficiency consistently led to a reduction in 22-kHz USV emission. While SERT deficiency did not affect immobility during acquisition, genotype differences started to emerge during extinction, and during recovery rats lacking SERT showed higher levels of immobility than wildtype littermate controls. Recovery was reflected in increased levels of immobility but not 22-kHz USV emission. Prominent sex differences were evident. Among several measures for trait-like inter-individual differences, anxiety-related behavior had the best predictive quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Willadsen
- Behavioral Neuroscience, Experimental and Biological Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Philipps-University of Marburg, Gutenberg-Str. 18, D-35032 Marburg, Germany; (M.W.); (R.K.W.S.)
| | - Metin Uengoer
- Associative Learning, Experimental and Biological Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Philipps-University of Marburg, Gutenberg-Str. 18, D-35032 Marburg, Germany;
| | - Anna Sługocka
- Department for Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Medyków 4, 40-752 Katowice, Poland;
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Medyków 18, 40-752 Katowice, Poland
| | - Rainer K.W. Schwarting
- Behavioral Neuroscience, Experimental and Biological Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Philipps-University of Marburg, Gutenberg-Str. 18, D-35032 Marburg, Germany; (M.W.); (R.K.W.S.)
- Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior, Philipps-University of Marburg, Hans-Meerwein-Str. 6, D-35032 Marburg, Germany
| | - Judith R. Homberg
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Kapittelweg 29, 6525 EN Nijmegen, The Netherlands;
| | - Markus Wöhr
- Behavioral Neuroscience, Experimental and Biological Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Philipps-University of Marburg, Gutenberg-Str. 18, D-35032 Marburg, Germany; (M.W.); (R.K.W.S.)
- Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior, Philipps-University of Marburg, Hans-Meerwein-Str. 6, 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
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +32–16–19–45–57
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29
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Seidisarouei M, van Gurp S, Pranic NM, Calabus IN, van Wingerden M, Kalenscher T. Distinct Profiles of 50 kHz Vocalizations Differentiate Between Social Versus Non-social Reward Approach and Consumption. Front Behav Neurosci 2021; 15:693698. [PMID: 34234654 PMCID: PMC8255485 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2021.693698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Social animals tend to possess an elaborate vocal communication repertoire, and rats are no exception. Rats utilize ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) to communicate information about a wide range of socially relevant cues, as well as information regarding the valence of the behavior and/or surrounding environment. Both quantitative and qualitative acoustic properties of these USVs are thought to communicate context-specific information to conspecifics. Rat USVs have been broadly categorized into 22 and 50 kHz call categories, which can be further classified into subtypes based on their sonographic features. Recent research indicates that the 50 kHz calls and their various subtype profiles may be related to the processing of social and non-social rewards. However, only a handful of studies have investigated USV elicitation in the context of both social and non-social rewards. Here, we employ a novel behavioral paradigm, the social-sucrose preference test, that allowed us to measure rats’ vocal responses to both non-social (i.e., 2, 5, and 10% sucrose) and social reward (interact with a Juvenile rat), presented concurrently. We analyzed adult male Long-Evans rats’ vocal responses toward social and non-social rewards, with a specific focus on 50 kHz calls and their 14 subtypes. We demonstrate that rats’ preference and their vocal responses toward a social reward were both influenced by the concentration of the non-social reward in the maze. In other words, rats showed a trade-off between time spent with non-social or social stimuli along with increasing concentrations of sucrose, and also, we found a clear difference in the emission of flat and frequency-modulated calls in the social and non-social reward zones. Furthermore, we report that the proportion of individual subtypes of 50 kHz calls, as well as the total USV counts, showed variation across different types of rewards as well. Our findings provide a thorough overview of rat vocal responses toward non-social and social rewards and are a clear depiction of the variability in the rat vocalization repertoire, establishing the role of call subtypes as key players driving context-specific vocal responses of rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Seidisarouei
- Social Rodent Lab, Institute of Experimental Psychology, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany.,Comparative Psychology, Institute of Experimental Psychology, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Sander van Gurp
- Social Rodent Lab, Institute of Experimental Psychology, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | | | - Irina Noguer Calabus
- Comparative Psychology, Institute of Experimental Psychology, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Marijn van Wingerden
- Social Rodent Lab, Institute of Experimental Psychology, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany.,Department of Cognitive Science and Artificial Intelligence, Tilburg School of Humanities and Digital Sciences, Tilburg University, Tilburg, Netherlands
| | - Tobias Kalenscher
- Comparative Psychology, Institute of Experimental Psychology, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
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30
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Farrell MR, Esteban JSD, Faget L, Floresco SB, Hnasko TS, Mahler SV. Ventral Pallidum GABA Neurons Mediate Motivation Underlying Risky Choice. J Neurosci 2021; 41:4500-4513. [PMID: 33837052 PMCID: PMC8152612 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2039-20.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Pursuing rewards while avoiding danger is an essential function of any nervous system. Here, we examine a new mechanism helping rats negotiate the balance between risk and reward when making high-stakes decisions. Specifically, we focus on GABA neurons within an emerging mesolimbic circuit nexus: the ventral pallidum (VP). These neurons play a distinct role from other VP neurons in simple motivated behaviors in mice, but their role in more complex motivated behaviors is unknown. Here, we interrogate the behavioral functions of VPGABA neurons in male and female transgenic GAD1:Cre rats (and WT littermates), using a reversible chemogenetic inhibition approach. Using a behavioral assay of risky decision-making, and of the food-seeking and shock-avoidance components of this task, we show that engaging inhibitory Gi/o signaling specifically in VPGABA neurons suppresses motivation to pursue highly salient palatable foods, and possibly also motivation to avoid being shocked. In contrast, inhibiting these neurons did not affect seeking of low-value food, free consumption of palatable food, or unconditioned affective responses to shock. Accordingly, when rats considered whether to pursue food despite potential for shock in a risky decision-making task, inhibiting VPGABA neurons caused them to more readily select a small but safe reward over a large but dangerous one, an effect not seen in the absence of shock threat. Together, results indicate that VPGABA neurons are critical for high-stakes adaptive responding that is necessary for survival, but which may also malfunction in psychiatric disorders.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT In a dynamic world, it is essential to implement appropriate behaviors under circumstances involving rewards, threats, or both. Here, we demonstrate a crucial role for VPGABA neurons in high-stakes motivated behavior of several types. We show that this VPGABA role in motivation impacts decision-making, as inhibiting these neurons yields a conservative, risk-averse strategy not seen when the task is performed without threat of shock. These new roles for VPGABA neurons in behavior may inform future strategies for treating addiction, and other disorders of maladaptive decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitchell R Farrell
- Department of Neurobiology & Behavior, University of California, Irvine, California 92697
| | | | - Lauren Faget
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, California 92093
| | - Stan B Floresco
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Thomas S Hnasko
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, California 92093
- VASDHS Research Service, San Diego, California 92161
| | - Stephen V Mahler
- Department of Neurobiology & Behavior, University of California, Irvine, California 92697
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31
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Boulanger-Bertolus J, Mouly AM. Ultrasonic Vocalizations Emission across Development in Rats: Coordination with Respiration and Impact on Brain Neural Dynamics. Brain Sci 2021; 11:616. [PMID: 34064825 PMCID: PMC8150956 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11050616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Rats communicate using ultrasonic vocalizations (USV) throughout their life when confronted with emotionally stimulating situations, either negative or positive. The context of USV emission and the psychoacoustic characteristics of the vocalizations change greatly between infancy and adulthood. Importantly, the production of USV is tightly coordinated with respiration, and respiratory rhythm is known to influence brain activity and cognitive functions. This review goes through the acoustic characteristics and mechanisms of production of USV both in infant and adult rats and emphasizes the tight relationships that exist between USV emission and respiration throughout the rat's development. It further describes how USV emission and respiration collectively affect brain oscillatory activities. We discuss the possible association of USV emission with emotional memory processes and point out several avenues of research on USV that are currently overlooked and could fill gaps in our knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Boulanger-Bertolus
- Department of Anesthesiology, Center for Consciousness Science, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5048, USA
| | - Anne-Marie Mouly
- Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, INSERM U1028, CNRS UMR 5292, University Lyon 1, 69366 Lyon, France
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32
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Champeil-Potokar G, Crossouard L, Jérôme N, Ouali C, Darcel N, Davidenko O, Rampin O, Bombail V, Denis I. Diet Protein Content and Individual Phenotype Affect Food Intake and Protein Appetence in Rats. J Nutr 2021; 151:1311-1319. [PMID: 33693927 DOI: 10.1093/jn/nxaa455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A low-protein diet can induce compensatory intake of excess energy. This must be better evaluated to anticipate the obesogenic risk that may result from the dietary recommendations for reducing animal protein consumption. OBJECTIVES We aimed to further characterize the behavioral and physiological responses to a reduction in dietary protein and to identify the determinants of protein appetite. METHODS Thirty-two male Wistar rats [4 wk old, (mean ± SEM) 135 ± 32 g body weight] were fed a low-protein (LP; 6% energy value) or normal-protein (NP; 20%) diet for 8 wk. Food intake and body mass were measured during the entire intervention. During self-selection sessions after 4 wk of experimental diets, we evaluated rat food preference between LP, NP, or high-protein (HP; 55%) pellets. At the end of the experiment, we assessed their hedonic response [ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs)] and c-Fos neuronal activation in the olfactory tubercle and nucleus accumbens (NAcc) associated with an LP or HP meal. RESULTS Rats fed an LP diet had greater food intake (24%), body weight (5%), and visceral adiposity (30%) than NP rats. All LP rats and half of the NP rats showed a nearly exclusive preference for HP pellets during self-selection sessions, whereas the other half of the NP rats showed no preference. This suggests that the appetite for proteins is driven not only by a low protein status but also by individual traits in NP rats. LP or HP meal induced similar USV emission and similar neuronal activation in the NAcc in feed-deprived LP and NP rats, showing no specific response linked to protein appetite. CONCLUSIONS Protein appetite in rats is driven by low protein status or individual preferences in rats receiving adequate protein amounts. This must be considered and further analyzed, in the context of current recommendations for protein intake reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaëlle Champeil-Potokar
- Physiology of Nutrition and Feeding Behavior Unit (PNCA, UMR 0914), University of Paris-Saclay-AgroParisTech-National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment (INRAE), Paris, France
| | - Lucas Crossouard
- Physiology of Nutrition and Feeding Behavior Unit (PNCA, UMR 0914), University of Paris-Saclay-AgroParisTech-National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment (INRAE), Paris, France
| | - Nathalie Jérôme
- Physiology of Nutrition and Feeding Behavior Unit (PNCA, UMR 0914), University of Paris-Saclay-AgroParisTech-National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment (INRAE), Paris, France
| | - Christian Ouali
- Physiology of Nutrition and Feeding Behavior Unit (PNCA, UMR 0914), University of Paris-Saclay-AgroParisTech-National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment (INRAE), Paris, France
| | - Nicolas Darcel
- Physiology of Nutrition and Feeding Behavior Unit (PNCA, UMR 0914), University of Paris-Saclay-AgroParisTech-National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment (INRAE), Paris, France
| | - Olga Davidenko
- Physiology of Nutrition and Feeding Behavior Unit (PNCA, UMR 0914), University of Paris-Saclay-AgroParisTech-National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment (INRAE), Paris, France
| | - Olivier Rampin
- Physiology of Nutrition and Feeding Behavior Unit (PNCA, UMR 0914), University of Paris-Saclay-AgroParisTech-National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment (INRAE), Paris, France
| | - Vincent Bombail
- Physiology of Nutrition and Feeding Behavior Unit (PNCA, UMR 0914), University of Paris-Saclay-AgroParisTech-National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment (INRAE), Paris, France
| | - Isabelle Denis
- Physiology of Nutrition and Feeding Behavior Unit (PNCA, UMR 0914), University of Paris-Saclay-AgroParisTech-National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment (INRAE), Paris, France
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Lesch R, Schwaha T, Orozco A, Shilling M, Brunelli S, Hofer M, Bowling DL, Zimmerberg B, Fitch WT. Selection on vocal output affects laryngeal morphology in rats. J Anat 2021; 238:1179-1190. [PMID: 33480050 PMCID: PMC8053590 DOI: 10.1111/joa.13366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Although laryngeal morphology often reflects adaptations for vocalization, the structural consequences of selection for particular aspects of vocal behavior remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the effects of increased ultrasonic calling in pups on the adult larynx morphology in selectively bred rat lines. Laryngeal morphology was assessed using multiple techniques: mineralized cartilage volumes were compared in 3D-models derived from microCT scans, internal structure was compared using clearing and staining procedures combined with microscopy, cellular structure was compared using histology and microscopy, and element composition was assessed with scanning energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Our results show that adult rats from lines bred to produce ultrasonic calls at higher rates as pups have shorter vocal folds and a more mineralized thyroid cartilage compared to rats bred to produce ultrasonic calls at lower rates. The change in vocal fold length appears to account for differences in low-frequency calls in these two rat lines. We suggest that the observed increases in mineralization of the thyroid cartilage in the high-ultrasound lineage provide increased reinforcement of the laryngeal structure during ultrasonic call production. Our findings therefore demonstrate an effect of selection for vocal behavior on laryngeal morphology, with acoustic consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raffaela Lesch
- Department of Behavioral and Cognitive BiologyUniversity of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Thomas Schwaha
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Integrative ZoologyUniversity of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Andrea Orozco
- Department of PsychologyWilliams CollegeWilliamstownMAUSA
| | | | - Susan Brunelli
- Department of PsychiatryColumbia UniversityNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Myron Hofer
- Department of PsychiatryColumbia UniversityNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Daniel L. Bowling
- Department of Behavioral and Cognitive BiologyUniversity of ViennaViennaAustria
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral SciencesStanford University School of MedicineStanfordCAUSA
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Wöhr M. Measuring mania-like elevated mood through amphetamine-induced 50-kHz ultrasonic vocalizations in rats. Br J Pharmacol 2021; 179:4201-4219. [PMID: 33830495 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Rats emit 50-kHz ultrasonic vocalizations (USV) in appetitive situations, reflecting a positive affective state. Particularly high rates of 50-kHz USV are elicited by the psychostimulant d-amphetamine. Exaggerated 50-kHz USV emission evoked by d-amphetamine is modulated by dopamine, noradrenaline and 5-hydroxytyrptamine receptor ligands and inhibited by the mood stabilizer lithium, the gold standard anti-manic drug for treating bipolar disorder. This indicates that exaggerated 50-kHz USV emission can serve as a reliable and valid measure for assessing mania-like elevated mood in rats with sufficient translational power for gaining a better understanding of relevant pathophysiological mechanisms and the identification of new therapeutic targets. The improved capacity to study the effects of anti-manic pharmacological interventions on a broader range of behaviours by including exaggerated 50-kHz USV emission as preclinical outcome measure complementary to locomotor hyperactivity will refine rodent models for mania.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Wöhr
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Research Unit Brain and Cognition, Laboratory of Biological Psychology, Social and Affective Neuroscience Research Group, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Faculty of Psychology, Experimental and Biological Psychology, Behavioral Neuroscience, Philipps-University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany.,Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior, Philipps-University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
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35
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Granata L, Valentine A, Hirsch JL, Honeycutt J, Brenhouse H. Trajectories of Mother-Infant Communication: An Experiential Measure of the Impacts of Early Life Adversity. Front Hum Neurosci 2021; 15:632702. [PMID: 33679352 PMCID: PMC7928287 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2021.632702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Caretaking stability in the early life environment supports neurobehavioral development, while instability and neglect constitute adverse environments that can alter maturational processes. Research in humans suggests that different types of early life adversity (ELA) can have differential effects on caretaker relationships and later cognitive and social development; however, identifying mechanistic underpinnings will require animal models with translational validity. Two common rodent models, maternal separation (MS) and limited bedding (LB), influence the mother-infant relationship during a critical window of development. We hypothesized that these paradigms may affect the development of communication strategies on the part of the pup. Ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) are a care-eliciting mechanism and ethologically relevant response to stressors in the rat pup. USV emission rates and acoustic parameters change throughout early development, presenting the opportunity to define developmental milestones in USVs that would reflect neurobehavioral aberrations if disrupted. This study investigated the effects of MS or LB on the dam-pup relationship by quantifying pup USVs, maternal behavior, and the relationship between the two. First, we used a generalized additive model approach to establish typical developmental trajectories of USV acoustic properties and determine windows of change in MS or LB rearing. Additionally, we quantified maternal behaviors and the predictability of maternal care sequences using an entropy rate calculation. MS and LB each shifted the developmental trajectories of USV acoustic parameters and call types in a sex-specific manner. MS more often impacted male USVs, while LB impacted female USVs. MS dams spent more time passive nursing, and LB dams spent more time on the nest. The predictability of maternal care was associated with the rate of USV emissions exclusively in females. Taken together, findings demonstrate sex- and model-specific effects of rearing environments on a novel developmental trajectory involving the mother-infant relationship, facilitating the translation of animal ELA paradigms to assess later-life consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Granata
- Department of Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Alissa Valentine
- Department of Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Jason L. Hirsch
- Department of Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Jennifer Honeycutt
- Department of Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Psychology, Bowdoin College, Brunswick, ME, United States
| | - Heather Brenhouse
- Department of Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
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Perrino PA, Chamberlain SJ, Eigsti IM, Fitch RH. Communication-related assessments in an Angelman syndrome mouse model. Brain Behav 2021; 11:e01937. [PMID: 33151040 PMCID: PMC7821623 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.1937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Revised: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Angelman syndrome (AS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by motor deficits, seizures, some autistic-like behaviors, and severe impairment of speech. A dysfunction of the maternally imprinted UBE3A gene, coupled with a functional yet silenced paternal copy, results in AS. Although studies of transgenic mouse models have revealed a great deal about neural populations and rescue timeframes for specific features of AS, these studies have largely failed to examine intermediate phenotypes that contribute to the profound communicative disabilities associated with AS. METHODS Here, we use a variety of tasks, including assessments of rapid auditory processing and social communication. Expressive vocalizations were directly assessed and correlated against other core behavioral measures (motor, social, acoustic perception) to model putative influences on communication. RESULTS AS mice displayed the characteristic phenotypes associated with Angelman syndrome (i.e., social and motor deficits), as well as marginal enhancements in rapid auditory processing ability. Our characterization of adult ultrasonic vocalizations further showed that AS mice produce fewer vocalizations and vocalized for a shorter amount of time when compared to controls. Additionally, a strong correlation between motor indices and ultrasonic vocalization output was shown, suggesting that the motor impairments in AS may contribute heavily to communication impairments. CONCLUSION In summary, the combination of motor deficits, social impairment, marginal rapid auditory enhancements, and altered ultrasonic vocalizations reported in a mouse model of AS clearly parallel the human symptoms of the disorder. This mouse model offers a novel route to interrogate the underlying genetic, physiologic, and behavioral influences on the under-studied topic of impaired communication in AS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter A Perrino
- Department of Psychological Science/Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Stormy J Chamberlain
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Inge-Marie Eigsti
- Department of Psychological Science/Clinical Psychology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Roslyn Holly Fitch
- Department of Psychological Science/Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
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Wagner NR, MacDonald JL. Atypical Neocortical Development in the Cited2 Conditional Knockout Leads to Behavioral Deficits Associated with Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Neuroscience 2020; 455:65-78. [PMID: 33346116 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2020.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The mammalian neocortex develops from a single layer of neuroepithelial cells to form a six-layer heterogeneous mosaic of differentiated neurons and glial cells. This process requires a complex choreography of temporally and spatially restricted transcription factors and epigenetic regulators. Even subtle disruptions in this regulation can alter the way the neocortex forms and functions, leading to a neurodevelopmental disorder. One epigenetic regulator that is essential for the precise development of the neocortex is CITED2 (CBP/p300 Interacting Transactivator with ED-rich termini). Cited2 is highly expressed by intermediate progenitor cells in the subventricular zone during the generation of the superficial layers of the neocortex. A forebrain-specific conditional knockout of Cited2 (cKO) exhibits reduced proliferation of intermediate progenitor cells embryonically, leading to reduced thickness of the superficial layers and reduced corpus callosum (CC) volume postnatally. Further, the Cited2 cKO display disruptions in balanced neocortical arealization, with a specific reduction in the somatosensory neocortical length, and dysregulation of precise, area-specific neuronal connectivity. Here, we explore the behavioral consequences resulting from this aberrant neocortical development. We demonstrate that Cited2 cKO mice display decreased maternal separation-induced ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) as neonates, and an increase in rearing behavior and lack of habituation following repeated acoustic startle as adults. They do not display alterations in anxiety-like behavior, overall locomotor activity, or social interactions. Together with the morphological, molecular, and connectivity disruptions, these results identify the Cited2 cKO neocortex as an ideal system to study mechanisms underlying neurodevelopmental and neuroanatomical disruptions with relevance to human neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaus R Wagner
- Department of Biology, Program in Neuroscience, Syracuse University, Syracuse NY, United States
| | - Jessica L MacDonald
- Department of Biology, Program in Neuroscience, Syracuse University, Syracuse NY, United States.
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Sasaki E, Tomita Y, Kanno K. Sex differences in vocalizations to familiar or unfamiliar females in mice. R Soc Open Sci 2020; 7:201529. [PMID: 33489288 PMCID: PMC7813254 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.201529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Mice, both wild and laboratory strains, emit ultrasound to communicate. The sex differences between male to female (male-female) and female to female (female-female) ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) have been discussed for decades. In the present study, we compared the number of USVs emitted to familiar and unfamiliar females by both males (male-female USVs) and females (female-female USVs). We found that females vocalized more to unfamiliar than to familiar females. By contrast, males exhibited more USVs to familiar partners. This sexually dimorphic behaviour suggests that mice change their vocal behaviour in response to the social context, and their perception of the context is based on social cognition and memory. In addition, because males vocalized more to familiar females, USVs appear to be not only a response to novel objects or individuals, but also a social response.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kouta Kanno
- Author for correspondence: Kouta Kanno e-mail:
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Mittal N, Maddox WT, Schallert T, Duvauchelle CL. Spontaneous Ultrasonic Vocalization Transmission in Adult, Male Long-Evans Rats Is Age-Dependent and Sensitive to EtOH Modulation. Brain Sci 2020; 10:E890. [PMID: 33266373 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10110890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) are well-established markers of motivational and emotional status. Recent work from our lab has provided novel evidence for a role of USVs in models of ethanol (EtOH) use. For instance, USV acoustic characteristics can be used to accurately discriminate between rats selectively bred for high EtOH intake (e.g., alcohol-preferring (P) and high-alcohol-drinking (HAD)) versus EtOH-avoiding (e.g., alcohol-non-preferring (NP) and low-alcohol-drinking (LAD)) strains, as well as differentiate between male and female rats. In the present study we sought to explore the effect of age and alcohol availability on spontaneously emitted 50–55 kHz frequency modulated (FM) and 22–28 kHz USVs in adult, male Long–Evans rats. With the hypothesis that age and alcohol experience influence spontaneous USV emissions, we examined USV data collected across a 24-week intermittent EtOH access experiment in male Long–Evans rats. USV counts and acoustic characteristic (i.e., mean frequency, duration, bandwidth and power) data revealed distinct age-dependent phenotypes in both 50–55 kHz FM and 22–28 kHz USV transmission patterns that were modulated by EtOH exposure. These results highlight the influence of age and EtOH experience on the unique emotional phenotypes of male Long–Evans rats.
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40
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Turner PV. Moving Beyond the Absence of Pain and Distress: Focusing on Positive Animal Welfare. ILAR J 2020; 60:366-372. [PMID: 33119093 DOI: 10.1093/ilar/ilaa017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Revised: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
For many years, researchers, veterinarians, animal ethics committees, and regulators have focused on minimizing pain and distress as a primary goal of refinement when working with animals in science. More recent publications as well as a shift in animal ethics and public opinion have emphasized promotion of positive affective states, culminating in the concept of positive animal welfare. Robust measures are required to know when positive animal welfare states are occurring, and a number of measures are proposed and discussed. Regardless of whether there are newer methods available that focus exclusively on measuring positive affective states, consistent consideration of research animal behavioral programs, refinement, and adopting periodic stand-alone animal welfare assessments for all species involved will help to push the care and practices of research animals towards an increased focus on positive animal welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia V Turner
- Charles River Laboratories Inc, Global Animal Welfare & Training, Charles River, Wilmington, Massachusetts, USA
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41
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Morales-Navas M, Castaño-Castaño S, Pérez-Fernández C, Sánchez-Gil A, Teresa Colomina M, Leinekugel X, Sánchez-Santed F. Similarities between the Effects of Prenatal Chlorpyrifos and Valproic Acid on Ultrasonic Vocalization in Infant Wistar Rats. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2020; 17:ijerph17176376. [PMID: 32882988 PMCID: PMC7504564 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17176376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Background: In recent years, ultrasonic vocalizations (USV) in pups has become established as a good tool for evaluating behaviors related to communication deficits and emotional states observed in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Prenatal valproic acid (VPA) exposure leads to impairments and social behavior deficits associated with autism, with the effects of VPA being considered as a reliable animal model of ASD. Some studies also suggest that prenatal exposure to chlorpyrifos (CPF) could enhance autistic-like behaviors. Methods: In order to explore these similarities, in the present study we tested whether prenatal exposure to CPF at GD12.5–14.5 produces effects that are comparable to those produced by prenatal VPA exposure at GD12.5 in infant Wistar rats. Using Deep Squeek software, we evaluated total number of USVs, latency to the first call, mean call duration, principal frequency peak, high frequency peak, and type of calls. Results: Consistent with our hypothesis, we found that exposure to both CPF and VPA leads to a significantly smaller number of calls along with a longer latency to produce the first call. No significant effects were found for the remaining dependent variables. Conclusions: These results suggest that prenatal exposure to CPF could produce certain behaviors that are reminiscent of those observed in ASD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Morales-Navas
- Department of Psychology and Health Research Center, University of Almería, Ctra. Sacramento, s/n, 04120 Almería, Spain; (S.C.-C.); (C.P.-F.); (A.S.-G.)
- Correspondence: (M.M.-N.); (F.S.-S.); Tel.: +34-950-214631 (F.S.-S)
| | - Sergio Castaño-Castaño
- Department of Psychology and Health Research Center, University of Almería, Ctra. Sacramento, s/n, 04120 Almería, Spain; (S.C.-C.); (C.P.-F.); (A.S.-G.)
- Department of Health Sciences, Universidad Europea del Atlántico, Calle Isabel Torres, 21, 39011 Santander, Spain
| | - Cristian Pérez-Fernández
- Department of Psychology and Health Research Center, University of Almería, Ctra. Sacramento, s/n, 04120 Almería, Spain; (S.C.-C.); (C.P.-F.); (A.S.-G.)
| | - Ainhoa Sánchez-Gil
- Department of Psychology and Health Research Center, University of Almería, Ctra. Sacramento, s/n, 04120 Almería, Spain; (S.C.-C.); (C.P.-F.); (A.S.-G.)
| | - María Teresa Colomina
- Department of Psychology and Research Center for Behavior Assessment (CRAMC), Universitat Rovira i Virgili, C/Carretera de Valls, s/n, 43007 Tarragona, Spain;
| | - Xavier Leinekugel
- Institut de Neurobiologie de la Mediterranée (INMED), INSERM UMR1249, Aix-Marseille University, Parc Scientifique de Luminy BP.13, CEDEX 09, 13273 Marseille, France;
| | - Fernando Sánchez-Santed
- Department of Psychology and Health Research Center, University of Almería, Ctra. Sacramento, s/n, 04120 Almería, Spain; (S.C.-C.); (C.P.-F.); (A.S.-G.)
- Correspondence: (M.M.-N.); (F.S.-S.); Tel.: +34-950-214631 (F.S.-S)
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42
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Kisko TM, Schwarting RKW, Wöhr M. Sex differences in the acoustic features of social play-induced 50-kHz ultrasonic vocalizations: A detailed spectrographic analysis in wild-type Sprague-Dawley and Cacna1c haploinsufficient rats. Dev Psychobiol 2020; 63:262-276. [PMID: 32506508 DOI: 10.1002/dev.21998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Sexual dimorphisms are widespread in the animal kingdom. At the behavioral level, there is evidence for sex differences in social play behavior. In rats, males typically engage more in rough-and-tumble play than females. One prominent component of the rough-and-tumble play repertoire in rats is the emission of 50-kHz ultrasonic vocalizations (USV). Such 50-kHz USV reflect the rewarding nature of play and serve as socioaffective signals. Here, we provide evidence for sexual dimorphisms within rough-and-tumble play-induced 50-kHz USV in juvenile rats. Specifically, females displayed reduced 50-kHz USV emission during playful interactions. This reduction was associated with changes in 50-kHz USV emission rates and subtype profiles during specific rough-and-tumble components, i.e., pinning, wrestling, and chasing, as well as differences in acoustic parameters. Interestingly, sex differences were modulated by Cacna1c, a gene strongly implicated in major neuropsychiatric disorders, often characterized by prominent sex biases, most notably autism. Specifically, Cacna1c haploinsufficiency affected the emission of 50-kHz USV during rough-and-tumble play in female rats and we provide evidence supporting the notion that such effects of Cacna1c haploinsufficiency are driven by male-typical features of 50-kHz USV emission. This is in line with the hypermasculinized social play repertoire previously observed in juvenile Cacna1c haploinsufficient females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa M Kisko
- Behavioral Neuroscience, Experimental and Biological Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Philipps-University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Rainer K W Schwarting
- Behavioral Neuroscience, Experimental and Biological Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Philipps-University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany.,Center for Mind, Brain, and Behavior (CMBB), Philipps-University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Markus Wöhr
- Behavioral Neuroscience, Experimental and Biological Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Philipps-University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany.,Center for Mind, Brain, and Behavior (CMBB), Philipps-University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany.,Laboratory for Behavioral Neuroscience, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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43
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Rojas-Carvajal M, Sequeira-Cordero A, Brenes JC. Neurobehavioral Effects of Restricted and Unpredictable Environmental Enrichment in Rats. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:674. [PMID: 32477137 PMCID: PMC7235364 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.00674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
To study how motivational factors modulate experience-dependent neurobehavioral plasticity, we modify a protocol of environmental enrichment (EE) in rats. We assumed that the benefits derived from EE might vary according to the level of incentive salience attributed to it. To enhance the rewarding properties of EE, access to the EE cage varied randomly from 2 to 48 h for 30 days (REE). The REE group was enriched only 50% of the time and was compared to standard housing and continuous EE (CEE) groups. As behavioral readout, we analyzed the spontaneous activity and the ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) within the EE cage weekly, and in the open field test at the end of the experiment. In the cage, REE increased the utilization of materials, physical activity, and the rate of appetitive USVs. In the OF, the CEE-induced enhancements in novelty habituation and social signaling were equaled by the REE. At the neural level, we measured the expression of genes related to neural plasticity and epigenetic regulations in different brain regions. In the dorsal striatum and hippocampus, REE upregulated the expression of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor, its tropomyosin kinase B receptor, and the DNA methyltransferase 3A. Altogether, our results suggest that the higher activity within the cage and the augmented incentive motivation provoked by the REE boosted its neurobehavioral effects equaling or surpassing those observed in the CEE condition. As constant exposures to treatments or stimulating environments are virtually impossible for humans, restricted EE protocols would have greater translational value than traditional ones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mijail Rojas-Carvajal
- Neuroscience Research Center, University of Costa Rica, San Pedro, Costa Rica.,Institute for Psychological Research, University of Costa Rica, San Pedro, Costa Rica
| | - Andrey Sequeira-Cordero
- Neuroscience Research Center, University of Costa Rica, San Pedro, Costa Rica.,Institute for Health Research, University of Costa Rica, San Pedro, Costa Rica
| | - Juan C Brenes
- Neuroscience Research Center, University of Costa Rica, San Pedro, Costa Rica.,Institute for Psychological Research, University of Costa Rica, San Pedro, Costa Rica
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Burgdorf JS, Vitaterna MH, Olker CJ, Song EJ, Christian EP, Sørensen L, Turek FW, Madsen TM, Khan MA, Kroes RA, Moskal JR. NMDAR activation regulates the daily rhythms of sleep and mood. Sleep 2020; 42:5542780. [PMID: 31504971 PMCID: PMC6783887 DOI: 10.1093/sleep/zsz135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2018] [Revised: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Study Objectives The present studies examine the effects of NMDAR activation by NYX-2925 diurnal rhythmicity of both sleep and wake as well as emotion. Methods Twenty-four-hour sleep EEG recordings were obtained in sleep-deprived and non-sleep-deprived rats. In addition, the day–night cycle of both activity and mood was measured using home cage ultrasonic-vocalization recordings. Results NYX-2925 significantly facilitated non-REM (NREM) sleep during the lights-on (sleep) period, and this effect persisted for 3 days following a single dose in sleep-deprived rats. Sleep-bout duration and REM latencies were increased without affecting total REM sleep, suggesting better sleep quality. In addition, delta power during wake was decreased, suggesting less drowsiness. NYX-2925 also rescued learning and memory deficits induced by sleep deprivation, measured using an NMDAR-dependent learning task. Additionally, NYX-2925 increased positive affect and decreased negative affect, primarily by facilitating the transitions from sleep to rough-and-tumble play and back to sleep. In contrast to NYX-2925, the NMDAR antagonist ketamine acutely (1–4 hours post-dosing) suppressed REM and non-REM sleep, increased delta power during wake, and blunted the amplitude of the sleep-wake activity rhythm. Discussion These data suggest that NYX-2925 could enhance behavioral plasticity via improved sleep quality as well as vigilance during wake. As such, the facilitation of sleep by NYX-2925 has the potential to both reduce symptom burden on neurological and psychiatric disorders as well as serve as a biomarker for drug effects through restoration of sleep architecture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey S Burgdorf
- Aptinyx Inc., Evanston, IL.,Falk Center for Molecular Therapeutics, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
| | | | | | - Eun Joo Song
- Department of Neurobiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
| | | | | | - Fred W Turek
- Department of Neurobiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
| | | | | | - Roger A Kroes
- Aptinyx Inc., Evanston, IL.,Falk Center for Molecular Therapeutics, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
| | - Joseph R Moskal
- Aptinyx Inc., Evanston, IL.,Falk Center for Molecular Therapeutics, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
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45
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Bialy M, Bogacki-Rychlik W, Przybylski J, Zera T. The Sexual Motivation of Male Rats as a Tool in Animal Models of Human Health Disorders. Front Behav Neurosci 2019; 13:257. [PMID: 31956302 PMCID: PMC6947634 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2019.00257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Normal or dysfunctional sexual behavior seems to be an important indicator of health or disease. Many health disorders in male patients affect sexual activity by directly causing erectile dysfunction, affecting sexual motivation, or both. Clinical evidence indicates that many diseases strongly disrupt sexual motivation and sexual performance in patients with depression, addiction, diabetes mellitus and other metabolic disturbances with obesity and diet-related factors, kidney and liver failure, circadian rhythm disorders, sleep disturbances including obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, developmental and hormonal disorders, brain damages, cardiovascular diseases, and peripheral neuropathies. Preclinical studies of these conditions often require appropriate experimental paradigms, including animal models. Male sexual behavior and motivation have been intensively investigated over the last 80 years in animal rat model. Sexual motivation can be examined using such parameters as: anticipatory behavior and 50-kHz ultrasonic vocalizations reflecting the emotional state of rats, initiation of copulation, efficiency of copulation, or techniques of classical (pavlovian) and instrumental conditioning. In this review article, we analyze the behavioral parameters that describe the sexual motivation and sexual performance of male rats in the context of animal experimental models of human health disorders. Based on analysis of the parameters describing the heterogeneous and complex structure of sexual behavior in laboratory rodents, we propose an approach that is useful for delineating distinct mechanisms affecting sexual motivation and sexual performance in selected disease states and the efficacy of therapy in preclinical investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Bialy
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Physiology, Laboratory of Centre for Preclinical Research, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Wiktor Bogacki-Rychlik
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Physiology, Laboratory of Centre for Preclinical Research, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jacek Przybylski
- Department of Biophysics and Human Physiology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Tymoteusz Zera
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Physiology, Laboratory of Centre for Preclinical Research, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
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46
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Zoicas I, Kornhuber J. The Role of the N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptors in Social Behavior in Rodents. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E5599. [PMID: 31717513 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20225599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Revised: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The appropriate display of social behaviors is essential for the well-being, reproductive success and survival of an individual. Deficits in social behavior are associated with impaired N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor-mediated neurotransmission. In this review, we describe recent studies using genetically modified mice and pharmacological approaches which link the impaired functioning of the NMDA receptors, especially of the receptor subunits GluN1, GluN2A and GluN2B, to abnormal social behavior. This abnormal social behavior is expressed as impaired social interaction and communication, deficits in social memory, deficits in sexual and maternal behavior, as well as abnormal or heightened aggression. We also describe the positive effects of pharmacological stimulation of the NMDA receptors on these social deficits. Indeed, pharmacological stimulation of the glycine-binding site either by direct stimulation or by elevating the synaptic glycine levels represents a promising strategy for the normalization of genetically-induced, pharmacologically-induced or innate deficits in social behavior. We emphasize on the importance of future studies investigating the role of subunit-selective NMDA receptor ligands on different types of social behavior to provide a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms, which might support the development of selective tools for the optimized treatment of disorders associated with social deficits.
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47
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Stark RA, Harker A, Salamanca S, Pellis SM, Li F, Gibb RL. Development of ultrasonic calls in rat pups follows similar patterns regardless of isolation distress. Dev Psychobiol 2019; 62:617-630. [PMID: 31680249 DOI: 10.1002/dev.21933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Revised: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) emitted by rat pups have been extensively studied in the context of isolation from their mother and littermates. The heightened call rate of isolation-induced USVs indicates increased anxiety, whereas other acoustic parameters, such as frequency and call duration, are thought to be useful in reflecting developmental changes, which by weaning have developed into their adult form. However, it is possible that stress can affect the quality as well as the quantity of calls, and that as the pups become more mobile, the effects of the stress may change. Therefore, in the present study rats were tested in a test arena either in isolation or with littermates, so as to assess the effects of isolation stress on the developmental changes reported in the literature. Rat pups of both sexes were tested on multiple days from postnatal day (PND) 7 to weaning. Overall, the main changes in the frequency, duration, and types of calls were accounted for by age. The effects of isolation were minor, as were sex differences. This study indicates that the development of USVs in infant rats is a robust process and seemingly resistant to the effects of isolation-induced stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel A Stark
- Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB, Canada
| | - Allonna Harker
- Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB, Canada
| | - Sophia Salamanca
- Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB, Canada
| | - Sergio M Pellis
- Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB, Canada
| | - Fangfang Li
- Department of Psychology, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB, Canada
| | - Robbin L Gibb
- Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB, Canada
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48
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Nolan SO, Hodges SL, Lugo JN. High-throughput analysis of vocalizations reveals sex-specific changes in Fmr1 mutant pups. Genes Brain Behav 2019; 19:e12611. [PMID: 31587487 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2019] [Revised: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 09/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
There have been several reports that individuals with Fragile X syndrome (FXS) and animal models of FXS have communication deficits. The present study utilized two different call classification taxonomies to examine the sex-specificity of ultrasonic vocalization (USV) production on postnatal day (PD8) in the FVB strain of Fmr1 knockout (KO) mice. One classification protocol requires the investigator to score each call by hand, while the other protocol uses an automated algorithm. Results using the hand-scoring protocol indicated that male Fmr1 KO mice exhibited longer calls (P = .03) than wild types on PD8. Male KOs also produced fewer complex, composite, downward, short and two-syllable call-types, as well as more frequency steps and chevron call-types. Female heterozygotes exhibited no significant changes in acoustic or temporal aspects of calls, yet showed significant changes in call-type production proportions across two different classification taxonomies (P < .001). They exhibited increased production of harmonic and frequency steps calls, as well as fewer chevron, downward and short calls. According to the second high-throughput analysis, female heterozygotes produced significantly fewer single-type and more multiple-type syllables, unlike male KOs that showed no changes in these aspects of syllable production. Finally, we correlated both scoring methods and found a high level of correlation between the two methods. These results contribute further knowledge of sex differences in USV calling behavior for Fmr1 heterozygote and KO mice and provide a foundation for the use of high-throughput analysis of neonatal USVs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne O Nolan
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Baylor University, Waco, Texas
| | | | - Joaquin N Lugo
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Baylor University, Waco, Texas.,Institute of Biomedical Studies, Baylor University, Waco, Texas
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49
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Ishiyama S, Kaufmann LV, Brecht M. Behavioral and Cortical Correlates of Self-Suppression, Anticipation, and Ambivalence in Rat Tickling. Curr Biol 2019; 29:3153-3164.e3. [PMID: 31564493 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2019.07.085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Revised: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The relationship between tickling, sensation, and laughter is complex. Tickling or its mere anticipation makes us laugh, but not when we self-tickle. We previously showed rat somatosensory cortex drives tickling-evoked vocalizations and now investigated self-tickle suppression and tickle anticipation. We recorded somatosensory cortex activity while tickling and touching rats and while rats touched themselves. Allo-touch and tickling evoked somatotopic cortical excitation and vocalizations. Self-touch induced wide-ranging inhibition and vocalization suppression. Self-touch also suppressed vocalizations and cortical responses evoked by allo-touch or cortical microstimulation. We suggest a global-inhibition model of self-tickle suppression, which operates without the classically assumed self versus other distinction. Consistent with this inhibition hypothesis, blocking cortical inhibition with gabazine abolished self-tickle suppression. We studied anticipation in a nose-poke-for-tickling paradigm. Although rats nose poked for tickling, they also showed escaping, freezing, and alarm calls. Such ambivalence ("Nervenkitzel") resembles tickle behaviors in children. We conclude that self-touch-induced GABAergic cortical inhibition prevents self-tickle, whereas anticipatory layer 5 activity drives anticipatory laughter. VIDEO ABSTRACT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shimpei Ishiyama
- Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience Berlin, Institut für Biologie, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Philippstraße 13, Haus 6, 10115 Berlin, Germany; Institut für Pathophysiologie, Universitätsmedizin der Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, Duesbergweg 6, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Lena V Kaufmann
- Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience Berlin, Institut für Biologie, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Philippstraße 13, Haus 6, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Michael Brecht
- Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience Berlin, Institut für Biologie, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Philippstraße 13, Haus 6, 10115 Berlin, Germany; NeuroCure Cluster of Excellence, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany.
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50
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Emmerson MG, Spencer KA, Brown GR. Social experience during adolescence in female rats increases 50 kHz ultrasonic vocalizations in adulthood, without affecting anxiety-like behavior. Dev Psychobiol 2019; 62:212-223. [PMID: 31429082 DOI: 10.1002/dev.21906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2019] [Revised: 07/01/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Adolescents are highly motivated to engage in social interactions, and researchers have hypothesized that positive social relationships during adolescence can have long term, beneficial effects on stress reactivity and mental well-being. Studies of laboratory rodents provide the opportunity to investigate the relationship between early social experiences and later behavioral and physiological responses to stressors. In this study, female Lister-hooded rats (N = 12 per group) were either (a) provided with short, daily encounters (10 min/day) with a novel partner during mid-adolescence (postnatal day 34-45; "social experience," SE, subjects) or (b) underwent the same protocol with a familiar cagemate during mid-adolescence ("control experience," CE, subjects), or (c) were left undisturbed in the home cage (non-handled "control," C, subjects). When tested in adulthood, the groups did not differ in behavioral responses to novel environments (elevated plus maze, open field, and light-dark box) or in behavioral and physiological (urinary corticosterone) responses to novel social partners. However, SE females emitted significantly more 50 kHz ultrasonic vocalizations than control subjects both before and after social separation from a familiar social partner, which is consistent with previous findings in male rats. Thus, enhanced adolescent social experience appears to have long-term effects on vocal communication and could potentially modulate adult social relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Karen A Spencer
- School of Psychology & Neuroscience, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK
| | - Gillian R Brown
- School of Psychology & Neuroscience, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK
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