Isolation-Induced Ultrasonic Vocalization in Environmental and Genetic Mice Models of Autism

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Developmental Biology
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Rodent pup vocalizations are early indicators of communication deficits and autistic-like behaviors.
• Gestational exposure to chlorpyrifos (CPF) and Mthfr-knock-out models are associated with impaired social behaviors and restricted behaviors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate alterations in pup communication via ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) in rodent models of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
• To identify sensitive USV features indicative of developmental changes in ASD.

Main Methods:

• Implemented unsupervised hierarchical clustering for classifying ultrasonic syllable properties.
• Analyzed spectral and temporal aspects of USVs emitted by pups in two ASD models.
• Compared USV characteristics between control and ASD model groups, considering sex differences.

Main Results:

• Significant effects of the ASD factor were observed on USV start/end frequencies and bandwidth across most syllable clusters.
• Bandwidth and duration exhibited the highest percentage change due to the ASD factor.
• Sex differences and an interaction between sex and gene/environment factors were found in USV properties.

Conclusions:

• Specific spectral-temporal parameters (start frequency, bandwidth, duration) of pup USVs are sensitive indicators of developmental changes in ASD models.
• These USV features may serve as valuable biomarkers for early detection and understanding of ASD.
• Acknowledged strain-specific basal differences in USV characteristics influencing model interpretation.