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Published on: August 8, 2011
Long-term hyperglycaemia induces qualitative and quantitative changes in rat ultrasonic vocalizations
Justine Renaud1, Jimmy Beaulieu1, Jacopo Marongiu2
1Cellular Neurobiology, Department of Medical Biology, Université du Québec, Trois-Rivières, Québec, Canada.
Scientific Reports
|June 1, 2026
Summary
Long-term diabetic hyperglycemia in male rats alters ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs), indicating changes in emotional states. This suggests USVs can be a valuable tool for studying diabetes mellitus (DM) effects.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Behavioral Biology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a global epidemic linked to mood disorders and behavioral changes.
- Emotional state alterations may mediate the relationship between DM and behavioral traits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of long-term diabetic hyperglycemia on ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) in male rats.
- To explore USVs as a potential behavioral marker for emotional state changes in diabetes.
Main Methods:
- Male rats with long-term hyperglycemia (HG) or controls (CTRL) were exposed to conspecifics.
- Emission of 50-kHz (appetitive) and 22-kHz (aversive) USVs was analyzed for number and acoustic parameters.
- USVs were categorized into flat and frequency-modulated types.
Main Results:
- HG rat dyads emitted significantly more 50-kHz USVs than CTRL dyads.
- Distinct acoustic differences were observed in 50-kHz USVs between HG and CTRL rats.
- A subset of HG rats (30%) emitted 22-kHz USVs, unlike CTRL rats.
Conclusions:
- Long-term diabetic hyperglycemia induces significant quantitative and qualitative changes in rat ultrasonic vocalizations.
- USV analysis offers a promising method for assessing hyperglycemia's effects in diabetes models.
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