Logo image
Sniffing in Infant Rats During Sleep and Wakefulness
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Sniffing in Infant Rats During Sleep and Wakefulness

Adele M. H Seelke and Mark S Blumberg
Behavioral neuroscience, Vol.118(2), pp.267-273
04/2004
DOI: 10.1037/0735-7044.118.2.267
PMID: 15113250

View Online

Abstract

Sniffing, a behavior that enhances detection and localization of odorants, is typically assumed to require behavioral arousal. In an effort to determine whether sniffing and arousal are dissociable, dimethyl disulfide (DMDS) was presented to 8-day-old rats while respiration and behavioral state were monitored. Pups sniffed in response to the highest concentrations of DMDS, exhibiting a lower olfactory threshold when awake. Surprisingly, sniffing occurred even while pups remained asleep. Sniffing was mediated by the olfactory system, as evidenced by the abolition of sniffing when the lateral olfactory tracts were cut and the retention of rapid arousal in response to a trigeminal stimulant, acetic acid. Finally, sleeping pups presented with acetic acid awakened without sniffing. Thus, although olfactory threshold increases during sleep, sleeping does not preclude sniffing.

Details

Logo image