Studying Socio-Affective Communication in Rats through Playback of Ultrasonic Vocalizations

The top-ranked cross-disorder risk gene CACNA1C is strongly associated with multiple neuropsychiatric dysfunctions. In a recent series of studies, we applied a genomically informed approach and contributed extensively to the behavioral characterization of a genetic rat model haploinsufficient for the cross-disorder risk gene Cacna1c. Because deficits in processing social signals are associated with reduced social functioning as commonly seen in neuropsychiatric disorders, we focused on socio-affective communication through 22-kHz and 50-kHz ultrasonic vocalizations (USV). Specifically, we applied a reciprocal approach for studying socio-affective communication in sender and receiver by including rough-and-tumble play and playback of 22-kHz and 50-kHz USV. Here, we review the findings obtained in this recent series of studies and link them to the key features of 50-kHz USV emission during rough-and-tumble play and social approach behavior evoked by playback of 22-kHz and 50-kHz USV. We conclude that Cacna1c haploinsufficiency in rats leads to robust deficits in socio-affective communication through 22-kHz and 50-kHz USV and associated alterations in social behavior, such as rough-and-tumble play behavior.

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Affective communication in rodents: ultrasonic vocalizations as a tool for research on emotion and motivation

Cell and Tissue Research ◽

10.1007/s00441-013-1607-9 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 354 (1) ◽

pp. 81-97 ◽

Cited By ~ 156

Author(s):

Markus Wöhr ◽

Rainer K. W. Schwarting

Keyword(s):

Ultrasonic Vocalizations ◽

Affective Communication

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Affective Communication Test

PsycTESTS Dataset ◽

10.1037/t04815-000 ◽

1980 ◽

Author(s):

Howard S. Friedman ◽

Louise M. Prince ◽

Ronald E. Riggio ◽

M. Robin DiMatteo

Keyword(s):

Affective Communication

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Diazepam attenuates the effects of cocaine on locomotion, 50‐kHz ultrasonic vocalizations and phasic dopamine in the nucleus accumbens of rats

British Journal of Pharmacology ◽

10.1111/bph.15658 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

William N. Sanchez ◽

Jose A. Pochapski ◽

Leticia F. Jessen ◽

Marek Ellenberger ◽

Rainer K. Schwarting ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Nucleus Accumbens ◽

Ultrasonic Vocalizations

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Acupuncture Alleviates Anxiety and 22-kHz Ultrasonic Vocalizations in Rats Subjected to Repeated Alcohol Administration by Modulating the Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor/Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone Signaling Pathway

International Journal of Molecular Sciences ◽

10.3390/ijms22084037 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (8) ◽

pp. 4037

Author(s):

Su Yeon Seo ◽

Se Kyun Bang ◽

Suk Yun Kang ◽

Seong Jin Cho ◽

Kwang Ho Choi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Negative Emotions ◽

Acupuncture Point ◽

Repeated Administration ◽

Ultrasonic Vocalizations ◽

Corticotropin Releasing Hormone ◽

Releasing Hormone ◽

Alcohol Administration ◽

Heart Meridian ◽

Mature Brain ◽

Neurotropic Factor

The Shenmen point (acupuncture point heart 7: HT7), located in the heart meridian, is frequently used to treat mental disorders, including drug addiction, anxiety, and depression. This study aimed to determine how HT7 regulates anxiety and negative emotions caused by repeated alcohol administration, focusing on the amygdala and paraventricular nucleus (PVN). Repeated administration of alcohol (ETOH; 2 g/kg, i.p. injection, 16% v/v) for 14 days increased the corticosterone (CORT) levels, and HT7 stimulation reduced the plasma CORT levels. HT7 stimulation mitigated anxiety-like behaviors and reduced 22-kHz ultrasonic vocalizations in rats receiving repeated ETOH injections. HT7 stimulation increased the amygdala expression of mature brain-derived neurotropic factor (mBDNF) and phosphorylated tropomyosin receptor kinase B (pTrkB) and decreased the PVN corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) expression. Amygdala microinjections of the TrkB antagonist ANA-12 (0.1 pmol/1 μL) reversed the increase in PVN CRH levels. The reduced PVN CRH levels were regulated by CRH-expressing neurons in the amygdala, and the increased amygdala CRH levels were affected by the HT7-stimulation induced increases in mBDNF. HT7 stimulation alleviates increased stress hormone levels and mitigates anxiety and negative emotions caused by repeated ETOH administration. These results provide scientific support for the clinical use of acupuncture to treat various alcoholism-induced diseases.

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Ultrasonic vocalizations of rats (Rattus norvegicus) during mating, play, and aggression: Behavioral concomitants, relationship to reward, and self-administration of playback..

Journal of Comparative Psychology ◽

10.1037/a0012889 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 122 (4) ◽

pp. 357-367 ◽

Cited By ~ 254

Author(s):

Jeffrey Burgdorf ◽

Roger A. Kroes ◽

Joseph R. Moskal ◽

James G. Pfaus ◽

Stefan M. Brudzynski ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Rattus Norvegicus ◽

Ultrasonic Vocalizations ◽

Self Administration

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Affective communication: a mixed method investigation into COVID-19 outbreak communication using the Taiwanese government Facebook page

Global Health Promotion ◽

10.1177/17579759211003539 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 175797592110035

Author(s):

Chia Yu Lien ◽

Yun-Hsuan Wu

Keyword(s):

Social Media ◽

Mixed Method ◽

Health Authority ◽

Disease Outbreak ◽

Government Agencies ◽

Affective Communication ◽

Frontline Workers ◽

The Public ◽

Qualitative And Quantitative ◽

Quantitative Results

The COVID-19 outbreak has created an unprecedented challenge for governments to convey information to the public, and social media has become a critical method of COVID-19 communication in Taiwan. Objectives: This study examines a total of 1128 Facebook posts published by Taiwan’s principal health authority from December 1, 2019 to May 31, 2020. Methods: Using both qualitative and quantitative approaches, this study investigates strategies used by the Taiwan government to communicate the COVID-19 outbreak and public responses toward these strategies. Result: Novel uses of Facebook posts on outbreak communication were identified, including solidarity, reviews of actions, press conferences, and the use of animal and cartoon images. Quantitative results showed that the public responded significantly more frequently to messages generating positive affects, such as posts that reviewed government actions and public efforts; posts that expressed thanks, approval, or comradeship; and posts that paired text with photographs of frontline workers or cute animals. Conclusion: These results suggest that, amid a disease outbreak, the public not only look for updated situations and guidelines but also for affective affirmation from government agencies.

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