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Novelty response and 50 kHz ultrasonic vocalizations: Differential prediction of locomotor and affective response to amphetamine in Sprague-Dawley rats

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Abstract

Rationale

Novelty and sensation seeking (NSS) predisposes humans and rats to experiment with psychostimulants. In animal models, different tests of NSS predict different phases of drug dependence. Ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) are evoked by psychomotor stimulants and measure the affective/motivation response to stimuli, yet the role NSS has on USVs in response to amphetamine is not determined.

Objectives

The aim of the present study was to determine if individual differences in NSS and USVs can predict locomotor and USV response to amphetamine (0.0, 0.3, and 1.0 mg/kg) after acute and chronic exposure.

Methods

Thirty male rats were tested for their response to novelty (IEN), choice to engage in novelty (NPP), and heterospecific play (H-USV). Rats were administered non-contingent amphetamine or saline for seven exposures, and USVs and locomotor activity were measured. After a 14-day rest, rats were administered a challenge dose of amphetamine.

Results

Regression analyses indicated that amphetamine dose-dependently increased locomotor activity and the NPP test negatively predicted treatment-induced locomotor activity. The H-USV test predicted treatment-induced frequency-modulated (FM) USVs, but the strength of prediction depended on IEN response.

Conclusions

Results provide evidence that locomotor activity and FM USVs induced by amphetamine represent different behavioral responses. The prediction of amphetamine-induced FM USVs by the H-USV screen was changed by the novelty response, indicating that the affective value of amphetamine—measured by FM USVs—depends on novelty response. This provides evidence that higher novelty responders may develop a tolerance faster and may escalate intake faster.

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Abbreviations

NSS:

Novelty and sensation seeking

IEN:

Inescapable novelty test

NPP:

Novelty place preference test

H-USV:

Heterospecific test, i.e., tickling

FM:

Frequency-modulated

CPP:

Conditioned place preference

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Acknowledgments

EJG was supported by R15DA035435-01S1. The authors do not have any conflicts of interests that would confound the interpretation of the research or data presented. The authors would like to thank Kathryn C. Johns, Talus J. McCowan, Richard Turner, and Dr. Don Saucier for their contribution to the experimental procedures.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychological Sciences, Kansas State University, 492 Bluemont Hall, Manhattan, KS, 66506-5302, USA

    Erik J. Garcia & Mary E. Cain

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  1. Erik J. Garcia
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  2. Mary E. Cain
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Correspondence to Erik J. Garcia.

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Garcia, E.J., Cain, M.E. Novelty response and 50 kHz ultrasonic vocalizations: Differential prediction of locomotor and affective response to amphetamine in Sprague-Dawley rats. Psychopharmacology 233, 625–637 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-015-4132-6

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