Abstract
Our rudimentary knowledge about intraspecific vocal communication systems in rats is limited by suitable technical and experimental models. Rats emit 50-kHz ultrasonic vocalizations in appetitive states and 22-kHz in aversive states. Both affective states influence heart rate. Here, we propose a novel behavioral model employing pre-recorded playbacks, to which vocalizations, heart rate and distance traveled in response were measured. Fifty-kHz playbacks elicited the most vocalizations (>60 calls per minute, mostly in 50-kHz range), increased heart rate and movement. These changes were more pronounced in singly housed rats compared to the paired housed group. In contrast, 22-kHz playback lead to prolonged heart rate drop and decrease in locomotor activity. The effects evoked by natural playback were more pronounced than their corresponding artificial tones. The correlations between vocalizations, heart rate and movement all point to common regulatory mechanisms. This is the first description of heart rate changes following playback of rat vocalizations.
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