Assessing Olfaction Using Ultrasonic Vocalization Recordings in Mouse Pups with a Sono-olfactometer

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Sensory Biology
• Developmental Biology

Background:

• Olfaction is the earliest developing sensory system in mammals.
• Odorant cues significantly influence neonatal behaviors, including ultrasonic vocalizations (USV).
• Congenital infections like cytomegalovirus can impair olfactory function in neonates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the inhibitory effect of olfactory cues on ultrasonic vocalizations (USV) in pups.
• To develop and validate a precise method for quantifying olfaction in neonatal mammals.
• To assess olfactory deficits in pups with compromised olfactory systems.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a novel sono-olfactometer designed for precise olfactory quantification in pups.
• Exposed pups to unfamiliar odorants (citral, adult male mouse scent) during isolation.
• Measured the number of USV emitted as an index of odorant detection across three isolation periods.

Main Results:

• Olfactory cues were found to inhibit ultrasonic vocalizations (USV) in pups.
• The sono-olfactometer effectively quantified odorant detection and inhibition of USV.
• The protocol demonstrated sensitivity in revealing olfactory deficits.

Conclusions:

• Olfactory cues play a critical role in modulating neonatal ultrasonic vocalizations.
• The sono-olfactometer is a valuable tool for assessing olfactory function and deficits in pups.
• This method can aid in diagnosing olfactory impairments caused by infections or toxic lesions.