Development of anticipatory 50 kHz USV production to a social stimuli in adolescent and adult male Sprague-Dawley rats

This study examined ontogenetic differences in anticipatory 50 kHz ultrasonic vocalization (USV) production to social interactions in male Sprague-Dawley rats. Adults increased USVs across days when tested socially but not when left alone (Experiment 1), and displayed anticipatory USVs to return to the cage-mate (Experiment 2). Adolescents did not display evidence of anticipatory USVs. To the extent that anticipatory USVs index incentive salience, this suggests an adolescent attenuation of incentive salience of social interactions.

► USVs were measured during anticipation of social interactions. ► Adults showed increasing anticipatory USVs over days, adolescents did not. ► Data suggest attenuated incentive salience in adolescence to social stimuli.