Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 9, 2026
11:00
Targeted Training of Ultrasonic Vocalizations in Aged and Parkinsonian Rats
Published on: August 8, 2011
Ultrasonic vocalizations, predictability and sensorimotor gating in the rat.
Emily S Webber1, David E Mankin, Justin J McGraw
1Department of Psychology & the J.P. Scott Center for Neuroscience, Mind and Behavior Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH 43402, USA.
Behavioural Brain Research
|July 16, 2013
Summary
Prepulse inhibition (PPI) testing in rats reveals that ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) indicate negative emotional states. Modifying trial predictability and selective breeding for USV emission impacts emotional responses during PPI.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Behavioral Science
- Animal Models
Background:
- Prepulse inhibition (PPI) assesses sensorimotor gating, influenced by emotional states in humans.
- Emotional regulation during PPI in rodents remains poorly understood.
- Ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) offer a potential measure of emotional states in rats.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate emotional regulation in rats during PPI testing.
- To examine how altering trial predictability affects sensorimotor gating and emotional responses.
- To assess PPI and emotional correlates in rats selectively bred for high or low 50kHz USV emission.
Main Methods:
- Utilized ultrasonic vocalization recording to monitor rat emotional states during PPI.
- Manipulated trial predictability to assess effects on gating and emotional regulation.
- Compared PPI and USV emission in rats selectively bred for high/low USV output.
Main Results:
- USV rate was sensitive to trial predictability and repeated exposure, unlike startle response.
- Repeated PPI exposure reduced USV signals and enhanced PPI.
- Rats bred for high USV emission showed higher USV levels and reduced acoustic startle response (ASR).
Conclusions:
- PPI testing in rodents appears to induce significant negative affect.
- Emotional styles, influenced by selective breeding, modulate the impact of PPI testing.
- USV monitoring provides insights into emotional processing during sensorimotor gating tasks in rats.
