Amygdala neural activity during social interaction in rats: a study based on 3D-video and ultrasonic recording

2014 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 25830006
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Neurophysiology / General neuroscience
• Research Institution: University of Toyama
• Principal Investigator: MATSUMOTO Jumpei 富山大学, 大学院医学薬学研究部(医学), 助教 (00635287)
• Project Period (FY): 2013-04-01 – 2015-03-31
• Keywords: 社会行動 / 扁桃体 / ３次元ビデオ行動解析 / 超音波発声 / ラット

Outline of Final Research Achievements

We recorded neural activity from socially interacting rat in a semi-naturalistic situation and investigated neural correlates with social behaviors. To this end, first, we developed a 3D-video analysis system and a method for identifying rats that emitted vocalizations. Then, based on these new techniques, we analyzed the neural activity in the amygdala. We found that the amygdalar neurons responded differently to the ultrasonic vocalizations emitted by the self and the partner. We also found that the firing rates of the amygdalar neurons changed depending on the spatial relationships between the interacting rats. These results indicate that the amygdala processes not only the actions of the self and the partner but also physical relationships between them, which are important information for executing appropriate social behaviors.

Free Research Field

神経科学