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Determining Ultrasonic Vocalization Preferences in Mice using a Two-choice Playback Test
Published on: September 3, 2015
Critical period for acoustic preference in mice
Eun-Jin Yang1, Eric W Lin, Takao K Hensch
1Center for Brain Science, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.
Summary
Early music exposure can shape music preference in mice by altering neural circuits during a critical developmental period. This plasticity can be reopened in adulthood using specific treatments, revealing music
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Behavioral Biology
- Developmental Psychology
Background:
- Preference behaviors are often established early in life.
- Neural circuit mechanisms underlying early preference development are largely unknown.
- Critical periods for sensory learning are well-documented but their molecular regulation is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the critical period for music preference development in mice.
- To explore the neural mechanisms underlying music preference plasticity.
- To identify molecular factors that regulate critical period plasticity.
Main Methods:
- Developed a novel nesting behavior assay to assess music preference.
- Exposed mice to music during specific developmental windows (postnatal days 15-24) and adulthood.
- Utilized pharmacological (valproic acid) and genetic (Nogo receptor knockout) manipulations to reopen critical period plasticity.
- Measured neuronal activation using cFos imaging in the medial prefrontal cortex.
- Assessed behavioral changes using open-field tests.
Main Results:
- Confirmed a critical period for music preference development in C57BL/6 mice.
- Early music exposure reversed innate silent shelter preference.
- Adult mice treated with valproic acid or NgR(-/-) exhibited restored music preference plasticity.
- Music-specific neuronal activation was observed in the medial prefrontal cortex during open plasticity.
- Music preference shifts correlated with increased open-field center crossings, suggesting an anxiolytic effect.
Conclusions:
- Music preference exhibits critical period plasticity in mice, which can be pharmacologically and genetically reopened in adulthood.
- Medial prefrontal cortex activation is associated with music-specific preference changes.
- Music may serve as a tool to study emotional states and identify molecular regulators of critical period plasticity.
