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

ABSTRACT: Studies in rodent models suggest that calls emitted by isolated pups serve as an early behavioral manifestation of communication deficits and autistic like behavior. Previous studies in our labs showed that gestational exposure to the pesticide chlorpyrifos (CPF) and the Mthfr-knock-out mice are associated with impaired social preference and restricted or repetitive behavior. To extend these studies, we examine how pup communication via ultrasonic vocalizations is altered in these ASD models. We implemented an unsupervised hierarchical clustering method based on the spectral properties of the syllables in order to exploit syllable classification to homogeneous categories while avoiding over-categorization. Comparative exploration of the spectral and temporal aspects of syllables emi

SUBMITTER: Shekel I 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8645772 | biostudies-literature | 2021

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature