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Myron A Hofer - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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variations in maternal behavior in rats selected for infant Ultrasonic Vocalization in isolation
Hormones and Behavior, 2015Co-Authors: Susan A Brunelli, Myron A Hofer, Michael M Myers, James P Curley, Kathryn Gudsnuk, Frances A Champagne, Martha G WelchAbstract:Individual differences in maternal behavior in rodents are associated with altered physiology and behavior in offspring across their lifespan and across generations. Offspring of rat dams that engage in high frequencies of high-arched-back nursing and pup-licking (High-LG) show attenuated stress responses compared to those engaging in lower frequencies (Low-LG). Selective breeding also produces widespread alterations in physiology and behavior that are stable over generations. To examine processes underlying generational and developmental influences on anxiety in an animal model, we developed two lines of rats that emit either extremely high (High-USV) or low (Low-USV) rates of 45kHz Ultrasonic Vocalizations in isolation at postnatal day 10. Compared to the Low-USV line, High-USV rats display increased indices of anxiety- and depression-like behavior in adulthood. The current study assessed maternal behaviors as well as oxytocin and vasopressin receptor density in High-USV and Low-USV dams to determine if selective breeding had produced differences that paralleled those found in Low- and High-LG dams. We found that Low-USV dams engage in more high-arched nursing and pup-licking than High-USV dams. Differences in oxytocin and vasopressin receptor levels were not widespread throughout the brain, with line differences in the piriform cortex and nucleus accumbens. This research illustrates the potential interplay between genetically determined (USV line) and environmental (postnatal mother-infant interactions) factors in accounting for the phenotypes associated with maternal separation induced postnatal Vocalizations.
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chapter 2 3 evolution of the infant separation call rodent Ultrasonic Vocalization
Handbook of Behavioral Neuroscience, 2010Co-Authors: Myron A HoferAbstract:Abstract This chapter describes research that shows how mammalian infant Vocalization is likely to have evolved as a component of the neuro-behavioral response of infants to separation from mother, littermates and home cage nest. The following questions are asked: how might evolution of the larynx as a protective valve during food and water ingestion and thermoregulatory physiology that was central to evolution of mammalian brain function have played a role in the evolution of infant vocal responses? And how might other selection pressures, such as the risk of detection by predators and variation in the likelihood of maternal responses to infant calls, have further shaped neural regulation of the infants' vocal response within the cognitive/emotional state elicited by separation? Finally, the results of experimental selection over many generations for high and low levels of infant Vocalization provide laboratory tests of some of the hypotheses generated by this research.
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effects of selective breeding for infant rat Ultrasonic Vocalization on cardiac responses to isolation
Behavioral Neuroscience, 2002Co-Authors: Susan A Brunelli, Michael M Myers, Shira L Asekoff, Myron A HoferAbstract:Heart rates (HR) and autonomic control of heart period (HP) during maternal separation and isolation were measured at postnatal days (P) 10 and 18 in rat pups selectively bred for high, low, and random rates of infant Ultrasonic Vocalization. P10 pups displayed no significant line differences in HRs, strong tonic basal sympathetic control of HP and little sympathetic reactivity to isolation, and no evidence of tonic baseline or phasic parasympathetic responses to isolation. At P18, during isolation and recovery, Low HRs were significantly higher compared with Random and High pups. High HRs were significantly higher compared with the Random line in the last third of isolation and through recovery. The higher HRs of Low pups during stress were due to greater parasympathetic withdrawal, but greater sympathetic activation could not be ruled out. Higher HRs in High pups were due to increased sympathetic activation. Thus, increases in HR responses in the selected lines are due to different underlying autonomic processes.
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effects of biparental rearing on Ultrasonic Vocalization usv responses of rat pups rattus norvegicus
Journal of Comparative Psychology, 1998Co-Authors: Susan A Brunelli, Harry N. Shair, Jenny R Masmela, Myron A HoferAbstract:This study investigated the influence of social rearing on Ultrasonic Vocalization (USV) responses of 11- to 12-day-old rat (Rattus norvegicus) pups in isolation to the presence or removal of an anesthetized adult. Pups were reared with the dam or dam plus a virgin female (aunt), their biological sire, or a castrated male. All pups reduced rates of USV in contact with anesthetized adults. Pups' USV rates after the adult's removal depended on their rearing experience. After removal of the dam, pups increased USV rates over baseline (potentiation). Pups reared with aunts potentiated USV after contact with adult females but suppressed USV after contact with males. Pups reared with sires potentiated USV after contact with sires or strange males. Pups reared with castrated males did not suppress USV after contact with castrates but did after contact with unfamiliar intact males. Thus, pups' differential USV responses to contact with passive adults in isolation can be acquired during prior rearing experience.
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the influence of olfaction on potentiation and inhibition of Ultrasonic Vocalization of rat pups
Physiology & Behavior, 1998Co-Authors: Harry N. Shair, Jenny R Masmela, Myron A HoferAbstract:Twelve-day-old isolated rat pups reduce their rates of Ultrasonic Vocalization (USV) when an anesthetized adult is placed into the test cage, whether the adult is their dam or an unfamiliar male. USV rates remain very low even after removal of the male (inhibition). However, after removal of the dam, pups greatly increase their rates of USV over their first isolation period (potentiation). USV potentiation can be induced by either an awake, normally behaving dam or by one that is anesthetized. To test the role of olfaction in inhibition and potentiation, PND12 pups were rendered anosmic via intranasal infusion of 5% zinc sulphate (ZnSO4). Control pups were infused with normal saline. After overnight separation from the dam, the USV and other behaviors of pups were recorded during a 6-min test. Each pup was tested during an initial isolation period and a final isolation period. In the first experiment, an anesthetized adult (dam or unfamiliar male) or no companion was placed in contact with the pup during the middle minute. Anosmia prevented both potentiation and inhibition of USV by passive adult contact. Thus, it seems likely that pups use olfactory discrimination as the basis for these two highly differentiated vocal responses to social stimuli. Results from two additional experiments demonstrate that anosmia does not prevent potentiation when the adult dam is active and interacting with the pup on either postnatal day 12 or 8.
Stefan M. Brudzynski - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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introduction and overview of the handbook of Ultrasonic Vocalization
2018Co-Authors: Stefan M. Brudzynski, Philip Sanford ZeskindAbstract:Abstract This introductory chapter describes the importance of the study of Ultrasonic Vocalizations (USVs), particularly in rodents. Analyses of the emissions of these calls inform us about development, physiological function, and many aspects of social behavior, including emotions and motivation. They also reveal the effects of stress and environmental change on animals. The study of USVs may also be used in the modeling of neuropsychiatric disorders and diseases, the effects of bioactive agents on the brain, the addiction process, and neurodevelopmental deficiencies.
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ethotransmission communication of emotional states through Ultrasonic Vocalization in rats
Current Opinion in Neurobiology, 2013Co-Authors: Stefan M. BrudzynskiAbstract:Adult rats emit two categories of Ultrasonic Vocalizations, 22 kHz calls and 50 kHz calls. These Vocalizations communicate animal's emotional state to other members of the social group. Production of social Vocalizations is an evolutionary old activity in vertebrates, and is regulated by well-preserved brain circuitries. The 22 kHz calls express negative, aversive state and are initiated by activity of the mesolimbic cholinergic system originating from laterodorsal tegmental nucleus. The 50 kHz calls express positive, appetitive state and are initiated by activity of the mesolimbic dopaminergic system originating from the ventral tegmental area. The 22 kHz calls serve as warning and alarm calls, while the 50 kHz calls serve as affiliative and social-cooperating calls. These specie-specific Vocalizations play role of ethological transmitters, termed ethotransmitters, that is, they are species-specific signals that are selectively recognized by receivers and have capability of changing emotional state of the receivers.
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Rat Ultrasonic Vocalization: short-range communication
Handbook of Behavioral Neuroscience, 2010Co-Authors: Stefan M. Brudzynski, Neville H FletcherAbstract:Abstract Rodents are subjected to a significant environmental pressure as prey for a large number of carnivore predators. Ultrasonic Vocalization is one of the defensive adaptations which minimize the chances of being detected by a predator. Two mechanisms of ultrasound production in the larynx are discussed, with a whistle mechanism being the most probable one. Physical features of ultrasounds, such as greater directionality, greater attenuation, greater scattering, decreased localizability than Vocalizations audible to humans and suitability for communication in underground burrows, make ultrasound a superior alternative to sonic Vocalization for short-range communication, particularly in emergencies.
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communication of adult rats by Ultrasonic Vocalization biological sociobiological and neuroscience approaches
Ilar Journal, 2009Co-Authors: Stefan M. BrudzynskiAbstract:Rats have developed antipredator defensive adaptations to protect themselves from the large number of animals that prey on them. One such adaptation is the ability to communicate by Ultrasonic Vocalization, which decreases the likelihood of detection by a predator. Almost all rat Vocalizations are inaudible to the human ear as well, so laboratory studies of Ultrasonic Vocalization require specialized electronic equipment. The most popular of these is the “bat detector,” which lowers Ultrasonic frequency to a humanly audible frequency. Adult rats emit two types of Ultrasonic calls: alarm (22 kHz) calls, in aversive and dangerous situations, and appetitive (50 kHz) calls, in appetitive or “friendly” (i.e., nonaggressive) behavioral situations. These two types of calls differ in all acoustic parameters, and their initiation depends on activity in different ascending tegmental pathways to the forebrain: 22 kHz calls require activity in the cholinergic system, and 50 kHz calls in the mesolimbic dopaminergic system. The release of acetylcholine in the diencephalon and forebrain is associated with the emission of 22 kHz Vocalizations, and the release of dopamine in the nucleus accumbens with 50 kHz calls. Thus the two calls are reliable predictors of increased cholinergic or dopaminergic activity in the brain. The calls serve as indices of the rat’s state, including its affective state, induced by activity of one or the other neurochemical system.
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contribution of the ascending cholinergic pathways in the production of Ultrasonic Vocalization in the rat
Behavioural Brain Research, 1996Co-Authors: Stefan M. Brudzynski, Francesco BarnabiAbstract:Abstract It has been well documented that cholinergic stimulation of the mediobasal forebrain structures induces 20–30 kHz Ultrasonic Vocalization in adult rats. If the cholinergic system plays a triggering role for Ultrasonic Vocalization, the question arises as to where the source of the cholinergic fibres, which innervate the mediobasal forebrain and induce Vocalization, is located. In the present study, the role of the ascending cholinergic projection from the ponto-mesencephalic cholinergic nuclei to the mediobasal hypothalamic-preoptic region in production of 22 kHz calls was investigated. Cholinergic neurons were stimulated by local injection of l -glutamate and eventual Vocalization was recorded by a S200 bat detector and analyzed sonographically. Intracerebral injection of l -glutamate into the laterodorsal tegmental nucleus induced short latency, 20–30 kHz Ultrasonic calls. Sound frequency (pitch) and single call duration of the l -glutamate-induced Vocalization did not differ from those obtained by cholinergic stimulation of the mediobasal hypothalamic-preoptic region with carbachol. However, l -glutamate stimulation of the laterodorsal tegmental nucleus was ineffective or less effective in 70% of responses, when the terminal fields in the mediobasal hypothalamic-preoptic region were pretreated with scopolamine, a muscarinic antagonist. The results demonstrate that the ascending cholinergic projection from the laterodorsal tegmental nucleus plays a triggering role for 20-20 kHz Vocalization in adult rats.
Susan A Brunelli - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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variations in maternal behavior in rats selected for infant Ultrasonic Vocalization in isolation
Hormones and Behavior, 2015Co-Authors: Susan A Brunelli, Myron A Hofer, Michael M Myers, James P Curley, Kathryn Gudsnuk, Frances A Champagne, Martha G WelchAbstract:Individual differences in maternal behavior in rodents are associated with altered physiology and behavior in offspring across their lifespan and across generations. Offspring of rat dams that engage in high frequencies of high-arched-back nursing and pup-licking (High-LG) show attenuated stress responses compared to those engaging in lower frequencies (Low-LG). Selective breeding also produces widespread alterations in physiology and behavior that are stable over generations. To examine processes underlying generational and developmental influences on anxiety in an animal model, we developed two lines of rats that emit either extremely high (High-USV) or low (Low-USV) rates of 45kHz Ultrasonic Vocalizations in isolation at postnatal day 10. Compared to the Low-USV line, High-USV rats display increased indices of anxiety- and depression-like behavior in adulthood. The current study assessed maternal behaviors as well as oxytocin and vasopressin receptor density in High-USV and Low-USV dams to determine if selective breeding had produced differences that paralleled those found in Low- and High-LG dams. We found that Low-USV dams engage in more high-arched nursing and pup-licking than High-USV dams. Differences in oxytocin and vasopressin receptor levels were not widespread throughout the brain, with line differences in the piriform cortex and nucleus accumbens. This research illustrates the potential interplay between genetically determined (USV line) and environmental (postnatal mother-infant interactions) factors in accounting for the phenotypes associated with maternal separation induced postnatal Vocalizations.
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Selective Breeding for an Infant Phenotype: Rat Pup Ultrasonic Vocalization (USV)
Behavior Genetics, 2005Co-Authors: Susan A BrunelliAbstract:To examine processes underlying generational and developmental influences on anxiety, this laboratory produced two lines of (N:NIH strain) rats, selectively bred on the basis extreme rates of Ultrasonic Vocalization in 2 minutes of isolation at Postnatal Day 10. The research reviewed in this article focuses on: (1) establishment of the selectively bred lines; (2) defining infant behavioral and physiological phenotypes and (3) determining whether infantile USV phenotypes endure over development. The High and Low lines have diverged widely in their USV rates from each other and from the Random control line, which has maintained N:NIH strain rates overall from generation to generation. Beginning in the 11th generation, High USV pups have shown significantly higher frequencies of defecation and urination during isolation screening than the Low USV and random control line. Both lines show altered autonomic regulation of heart rates (HR) in response to stressors as juveniles and adults. These differences in HR responses in High and Low lines appear to be mediated by changes in the balance of sympathetic versus parasympathetic mechanisms. Other behavioral characteristics of the High line are consistent with an “anxious”/ “depressive” phenotype, such as Vocalizations to touch in a novel environment, and performance in the Porsolt Swim, whereas Low line shows few differences in anxiety behavior. Future work will resolve the similarities and differences in the High and Low phenotypes and provide a developmental perspective to the growing body of information about affective regulation in humans and animals provided by selectively bred animal models.
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effects of selective breeding for infant rat Ultrasonic Vocalization on cardiac responses to isolation
Behavioral Neuroscience, 2002Co-Authors: Susan A Brunelli, Michael M Myers, Shira L Asekoff, Myron A HoferAbstract:Heart rates (HR) and autonomic control of heart period (HP) during maternal separation and isolation were measured at postnatal days (P) 10 and 18 in rat pups selectively bred for high, low, and random rates of infant Ultrasonic Vocalization. P10 pups displayed no significant line differences in HRs, strong tonic basal sympathetic control of HP and little sympathetic reactivity to isolation, and no evidence of tonic baseline or phasic parasympathetic responses to isolation. At P18, during isolation and recovery, Low HRs were significantly higher compared with Random and High pups. High HRs were significantly higher compared with the Random line in the last third of isolation and through recovery. The higher HRs of Low pups during stress were due to greater parasympathetic withdrawal, but greater sympathetic activation could not be ruled out. Higher HRs in High pups were due to increased sympathetic activation. Thus, increases in HR responses in the selected lines are due to different underlying autonomic processes.
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effects of biparental rearing on Ultrasonic Vocalization usv responses of rat pups rattus norvegicus
Journal of Comparative Psychology, 1998Co-Authors: Susan A Brunelli, Harry N. Shair, Jenny R Masmela, Myron A HoferAbstract:This study investigated the influence of social rearing on Ultrasonic Vocalization (USV) responses of 11- to 12-day-old rat (Rattus norvegicus) pups in isolation to the presence or removal of an anesthetized adult. Pups were reared with the dam or dam plus a virgin female (aunt), their biological sire, or a castrated male. All pups reduced rates of USV in contact with anesthetized adults. Pups' USV rates after the adult's removal depended on their rearing experience. After removal of the dam, pups increased USV rates over baseline (potentiation). Pups reared with aunts potentiated USV after contact with adult females but suppressed USV after contact with males. Pups reared with sires potentiated USV after contact with sires or strange males. Pups reared with castrated males did not suppress USV after contact with castrates but did after contact with unfamiliar intact males. Thus, pups' differential USV responses to contact with passive adults in isolation can be acquired during prior rearing experience.
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five generations of selective breeding for Ultrasonic Vocalization usv responses in n nih strain rats
Developmental Psychobiology, 1997Co-Authors: Susan A Brunelli, Danielle D Vinocur, Dorene Soohoo, Myron A HoferAbstract:This article reports on early results from an ongoing selective breeding study in which rats were selected for different rates of Ultrasonic Vocalization (USV) in response to isolation. Using the N:NIH strain, all litters were screened at 10 (±1) days of age in a 2-min isolation test, and those males and females with the highest (or lowest) rates in each litter were selected for later breeding with like breeders from unrelated litters. A Random line (unselected control) was also bred. In the first selected generation (S1), the Low line diverged from Random line controls, and has maintained significantly lower rates over all generations since. In the S3 generation, the High line diverged significantly from Random line controls, and has shown significantly higher USV rates in each succeeding generation. No line differences were found in other behaviors measured in isolation. Data from a small sample of S5 pups tested at postnatal Days 3, 10, 14, and 18 days showed that individual pups' rates of USV from Day 10 predicted those at Day 14, consistent with findings from an unselected generation. Ambient temperature, modulated by body weight, controlled USV at Day 3, whereas at Days 10 and 14 line accounted for most of the variance in USV. This is the first instance of laboratory selection occurring on the basis of an infantile trait. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 31: 255–265, 1997
Timothy J Schallert - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Ultrasonic Vocalization in murine experimental stroke a mechanistic model of aphasia
Restorative Neurology and Neuroscience, 2016Co-Authors: Julie Palmateer, Jie Pan, Arushi Pandya, Lianna Martin, Sungita Kumar, Adaora Ofomata, Theresa A Jones, Andrea C Gore, Timothy J SchallertAbstract:Purpose Approximately one-fourth of stroke survivors are aphasic. Speech therapy is the main treatment approach but leaves most patients with chronic disability. Attempts to improve this situation are hampered by a lack of mechanistic understanding of the disability and treatments, reflecting the neglect of this impairment modality in pre-clinical research. Accordingly, we devised a novel murine model of speech-related impairment after stroke to investigate the role of language- and plasticity-associated molecules. Rodents communicate socially with Ultrasonic Vocalizations (USVs), conveying semantic and semiotic information with complex frequency modulated "songs" and alarm calls. Methods Transient focal cerebral ischemia was induced in male C57BL6 mice via either 30 or 45 minutes of reversible right MCAO using the intraluminal filament technique. Nine days post-operatively brains are stained with TTC and analyzed for infarct volume. For behavioral measures health scores are taken (days 1-4), cylinder tests and USV recordings performed at days 3 and 7 post operatively. Real time PCR was performed at 24 and 48 hour and 7 day time points to quantify mRNA expression of communication-related genes (Foxp2, Foxp1, Srpx2, Cntnap2 and Gapdh). Immunohistochemistry was performed to localize FOXP2 protein. Results After middle cerebral artery occlusion of either 30 or 45 minutes duration, mice demonstrate profoundly impaired socially evoked USVs. In addition, there is suppression of the language-associated transcription factor, Forkhead box protein 2 (Foxp2), and its downstream binding partner, contactin-associated protein 2 (Cntnap2). Conclusion These findings set a foundation for further studies of mechanisms and novel treatment strategies for post-stroke Vocalization impairments.
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automating Ultrasonic Vocalization analyses the waaves program
Journal of Neuroscience Methods, 2013Co-Authors: James M Reno, Timothy J Schallert, Bryan Marker, Lawrence K Cormack, Christine L DuvauchelleAbstract:Abstract Background Human emotion is a crucial component of drug abuse and addiction. Ultrasonic Vocalizations (USVs) elicited by rodents are a highly translational animal model of emotion in drug abuse studies. A major roadblock to comprehensive use of USV data is the overwhelming burden to attain accurate USV assessment in a timely manner. One of the most accurate methods of analyzing USVs, human auditory detection with simultaneous spectrogram inspection, requires USV sound files to be played back 4% normal speed. New method WAAVES (WAV-file Automated Analysis of Vocalizations Environment Specific) is an automated USV assessment program utilizing MATLAB's Signal and Image Processing Toolboxes in conjunction with a series of customized filters to separate USV calls from background noise, and accurately tabulate and categorize USVs as flat or frequency-modulated (FM) calls. In the current report, WAAVES functionality is demonstrated by USV analyses of cocaine self-administration data collected over 10 daily sessions. Results WAAVES counts are significantly correlated with human auditory counts ( r (48) = 0.9925; p Comparison with existing method WAAVES output is highly accurate and provides tabulated data in approximately 0.3% of the time required when using human auditory detection methods. Conclusions The development of a customized USV analysis program, such as WAAVES streamlines USV assessment and enhances the ability to utilize USVs as a tool to advance drug abuse research and ultimately develop effective treatments.
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reduction of dopamine synaptic activity degradation of 50 khz Ultrasonic Vocalization in rats
Behavioral Neuroscience, 2009Co-Authors: Michelle R Ciucci, Sean T, Jacqueline R Kane, Allison M Ahrens, Blake E Windham, Martin T Woodlee, Timothy J SchallertAbstract:Vocal deficits are prevalent and debilitating in Parkinson's disease. These deficits may be related to the initial pathology of the nigrostriatal dopamine neurons and resulting dopamine depletion, which contributes to dysfunction of fine motor control in multiple functions. Although Vocalization in animals and humans may differ in many respects, we evaluated complex (50-kHz) Ultrasonic mate calls in 2 rat models of Parkinson's disease, including unilateral infusions of 6-hydroxydopamine to the medial forebrain bundle and peripheral administration of a nonakinesia dose of the dopamine antagonist haloperidol. We examined the effects of these treatments on multiple aspects of the acoustic signal. The number of trill-like (frequency modulated) 50-kHz calls was significantly reduced, and appeared to be replaced by simpler (flat) calls. The bandwidth and maximum intensity of simple and frequency-modulated calls were significantly decreased, but call duration was not. Our findings suggest that the nigrostriatal dopamine pathway is involved to some extent in fine sensorimotor function that includes USV production and complexity.
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limb use and complex Ultrasonic Vocalization in a rat model of parkinson s disease deficit targeted training
Parkinsonism & Related Disorders, 2008Co-Authors: Michelle R Ciucci, Sean T, Jacqueline R Kane, Allison M Ahrens, Timothy J SchallertAbstract:Recent evidence in animal models of Parkinson's disease (PD) suggests that exercise and other forms of motor enhancement can be beneficial when applied during the degeneration of dopamine neurons. Behaviours that depend on adequate levels of striatal dopamine may provide particularly favourable targets for therapeutic motor interventions. Task-specific motor enrichment procedures have been used to improve functional and neural outcomes following unilateral infusions of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) into the nigrostriatal pathway in rats. In contrast, forced non-use procedures can exaggerate the degree of degeneration. Limb-use akinesia and Ultrasonic Vocalization in the 50-kHz range may be useful behavioural indices of nigrostriatal integrity and may model common deficits found in PD. These deficits in movement initiation and fine sensorimotor control are potential targets for early training interventions.
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qualitative changes in Ultrasonic Vocalization in rats after unilateral dopamine depletion or haloperidol a preliminary study
Behavioural Brain Research, 2007Co-Authors: Michelle R Ciucci, Sean T, Jacqueline R Kane, Cynthia Fox, Lorraine O Ramig, Timothy J SchallertAbstract:The sensorimotor speech/voice deficits associated with Parkinson disease have been well documented in humans. They are largely resistant to pharmacological and surgical treatment, but respond to intensive speech therapy. The mechanisms underlying this phenomenon are not well understood and are difficult to systematically test in humans. Thus, we turn to the rat as a model. The purpose of this study is to compare the Ultrasonic Vocalization (USV) of rats in three conditions: control, haloperidol-induced transient dopamine depletion, and unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) induced moderately-severe degeneration of dopamine neurons. It was hypothesized that both dopamine-altered conditions would lead to a change in the features of the USV acoustic signal. Results demonstrated that bandwidth decreased in the dopamine-altered rats. This is the first study to document a degradation of the acoustic signal of frequency-modulated 50-kHz calls as a result of interfering with dopamine synaptic transmission in rats. The data suggest that mild transient dopamine depletion with haloperidol or even unilateral degeneration of dopamine neurons is associated with changes in the USV acoustic signal. Dopaminergic dysfunction influences USV quality without reducing the number of calls. This study provides a foundation to examine the role of dopamine in sensorimotor processes underlying USV production and potentially to explore treatments for dopamine deficiency-related impaired vocal outcome.
Mathias Dutschmann - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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tauopathy in the periaqueductal gray kolliker fuse nucleus and nucleus retroambiguus is not predicted by Ultrasonic Vocalization in tau p301l mice
Behavioural Brain Research, 2019Co-Authors: Pedro Trevizanbau, Mathias Dutschmann, Rishi R Dhingra, Emma L Burrows, Davor StanicAbstract:Upper airway and Vocalization control areas such as the periaqueductal gray (PAG), kolliker-fuse nucleus (KF) and nucleus retroambiguus (NRA) are prone to developing tauopathy in mice expressing the mutant human tau P301L protein. Consequently, impaired Ultrasonic Vocalization (USV) previously identified in tau-P301L mice at the terminal disease stage of 8-9 months of age, was attributed to the presence of tauopathy in these regions. Our aim was to establish whether the onset of USV disorders manifest prior to the terminal stage, and if USV disorders are predictive of the presence of tauopathy in the PAG, KF and NRA. USVs produced by tau-P301L and wildtype mice aged 3-4, 5-6 or 8-9 months were recorded during male-female interaction. Immunohistochemistry was then performed to assess the presence or degree of tauopathy in the PAG, KF and NRA of mice displaying normal or abnormal USV patterns. Comparing various USV measurements, including the number, duration and frequency of calls, revealed no differences between tau-P301L and wildtype mice across all age groups, and linear discriminant analysis also failed to identify separate USV populations. Finally, the presence of tauopathy in the PAG, KF and NRA in individual tau-P301L mice did not reliably associate with USV disorders. Our findings that tauopathy in designated mammalian Vocalization centres, such as the PAG, KF and NRA, did not associate with USV disturbances in tau-P301L mice questions whether USV phenotypes in this transgenic mouse are valid for studying tauopathy-related human voice and speech disorders.
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age related impairment of Ultrasonic Vocalization in tau p301l mice possible implication for progressive language disorders
PLOS ONE, 2011Co-Authors: Clement Menuet, Peter Borghgraef, Fred Van Leuven, Yves Cazals, Christian Gestreau, Lies Gielis, Mathias Dutschmann, Gerard HilaireAbstract:Background: Tauopathies, including Alzheimer’s Disease, are the most frequent neurodegenerative diseases in elderly people and cause various cognitive, behavioural and motor defects, but also progressive language disorders. For communication and social interactions, mice produce Ultrasonic Vocalization (USV) via expiratory airflow through the larynx. We examined USV of Tau.P301L mice, a mouse model for tauopathy expressing human mutant tau protein and developing cognitive, motor and upper airway defects. Methodology/Principal Findings: At age 4–5 months, Tau.P301L mice had normal USV, normal expiratory airflow and no brainstem tauopathy. At age 8–10 months, Tau.P301L mice presented impaired USV, reduced expiratory airflow and severe tauopathy in the periaqueductal gray, Kolliker-Fuse and retroambiguus nuclei. Tauopathy in these nuclei that control upper airway function and Vocalization correlates well with the USV impairment of old Tau.P301L mice. Conclusions: In a mouse model for tauopathy, we report for the first time an age-related impairment of USV that correlates with tauopathy in midbrain and brainstem areas controlling Vocalization. The Vocalization disorder of old Tau.P301L mice could be, at least in part, reminiscent of language disorders of elderly suffering tauopathy.
