Determining Ultrasonic Vocalization Preferences in Mice using a Two-choice Playback Test.

Area of Science:

• Animal Behavior
• Bioacoustics
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Mice produce ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) in various social and developmental contexts.
• USV characteristics vary significantly based on age, sex, genetics, and behavioral state.
• It remains unclear if mice can discern these USV variations and exhibit preferences.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate whether mice can discriminate between different ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs).
• To evaluate mouse preference for specific USV characteristics using a novel playback paradigm.
• To establish a model for comparing the attractiveness of different USV features.

Main Methods:

• Recorded mouse ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) and processed them into stereophonic sound files.
• Utilized nanocrystalline silicon thermo-acoustic emitters for USV playback at standardized sound pressure levels.
• Employed a two-choice preference test box where mice indicated preferences by interacting with sound emitters.

Main Results:

• The developed playback experiment successfully evaluated mouse preference responses to distinct USVs.
• The model allows for the systematic comparison of attractiveness of various USV features.
• Demonstrated that mice can discriminate between different USVs and exhibit preferences.

Conclusions:

• Mice possess the ability to discriminate between ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) with differing acoustic properties.
• The established place preference model provides a robust method for studying mouse acoustic communication.
• This research opens avenues for exploring the functional significance of USV variations in social interactions.