Air-puff induced vocalizations: A novel approach to detecting negative affective state following concussion in rats

Negative emotional states resulting from concussion are of increasing concern. In the current study, we developed a model to investigate negative affect following concussion in the projectile concussive impact (PCI) model. High frequency ultrasonic vocalizations (22kHz USVs) are associated with negative affective stimuli in rats. Changes in negative affective state were examined following PCI using a mild air-puff stimulus to elicit 22kHz USVs.

Forty-eight hours post-injury, animals were placed into a clean acrylic box lined with bedding. A 5min baseline recording was followed by 15 air puffs (55psi) spaced 15s apart aimed at the upper back and neck.

Injured animals produced on average 153.5±55.13 more vocalizations than shams, vocalizing on average 4min longer than shams. Additionally, concussed animals vocalized to fewer air-puffs, exhibiting a 1.5 fold lower threshold for the expression of negative affect.

Studies currently used to test negative affective states following concussion in animals, such as the elevated plus maze and forced swim task have, as of yet, been unsuccessful in demonstrating injury effects in the PCI model. While the air-puff test has been applied in other fields, to our knowledge it has not been utilized to study traumatic brain injury.

The current study demonstrates that the air-puff vocalization test may be a valuable tool in assessing negative mood states following concussion in rat models and may be used to evaluate novel therapies following brain injury for the treatment of mood dysfunction.