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Harmonic and frequency modulated ultrasonic vocalizations reveal differences in conditioned and unconditioned reward processing
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Harmonic and frequency modulated ultrasonic vocalizations reveal differences in conditioned and unconditioned reward processing

Erik J Garcia, Talus J McCowan and Mary E Cain
Behavioural brain research, Vol.287, pp.207-214
07/01/2015
DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2015.03.049
PMID: 25827931

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Abstract

Novelty and sensation seeking (NSS) and ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) are both used as measures of individual differences in reward sensitivity in rodent models. High responders in the inescapable novelty screen have a greater response to low doses of amphetamine and acquire self-administration more rapidly, while the novelty place preference screen is positively correlated with compulsive drug seeking. These screens are uncorrelated and implicated in separate drug abuse models. 50 kHz USVs measure affective state in rats and are evoked by positive stimuli. NSS and USVs are each implicated in drug response, self-administration, and reveal differences in individual behavior, yet their relationship with each other is not understood. The present study screened rats for their response to novelty and measured USVs of all call types in response to heterospecific play to determine the relationships between these individual difference traits. Generally, we hypothesized that 50k Hz USVs would be positively correlated with the NPP screen, and that 22 kHz would be positively correlated with the IEN screen. Results indicate none of the screens were correlated indicating they are measuring different individual difference traits. However, examination of the subtypes of USVs indicated harmonic USVs and the novelty place preference were positively correlated. Harmonic 50 kHz USVs increased in response to reward associated context, suggesting animals conditioned to the heterospecific tickle arena and anticipated rewarding stimuli, while FM only increased in response to tickling. USV subtypes can be used to elucidate differences in attribution of incentive value across conditioned stimuli and receipt of rewarding stimuli. These data provide strong support that harmonic and FM USVs can be used to understand reward processing in addition to NSS.
 Animals Conditioning (Psychology) Exploratory Behavior Male Play and Playthings Rats, Sprague-Dawley Reward Social Behavior Ultrasonics Vocalization, Animal

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