Handbook of Ultrasonic Vocalization: A Window into the Emotional Brain

Handbook of Ultrasonic Vocalization: Window into the Mammalian Brain, Volume 25, is an exhaustive resource on ultrasonic vocalizations in vertebrates, providing full coverage of all aspects of these vocalizations. The book also demonstrates the usefulness of ultrasonic vocalizations in studies of animal communication, sociobiological states, and in mammalian models of affective disorders, addictions and neurodevelopmental disorders, making it an indispensable resource for researchers using animal models. The book begins with the evolution of vocal communication before discussing mechanisms of ultrasound production, perception and the brain systems involved in emotional arousal that are responsible for the generation of vocalization and emotional states.

In addition, the book covers studies of neuroactive agents and sociopsychological conditions that can regulate the outcome of ultrasonic vocalization and provide clues about animals’ internal states. Critically, the book also includes thorough coverage of pharmacological investigations using ultrasonic vocalizations, increasingly being utilized for studies in affective disorders, psychoses, addiction and alcoholism. No other book provides such extensive coverage of this rapidly growing field of study.

Represents a multidisciplinary approach that incorporates evolution, communication, behavioral homeostasis, emotional expression and neuropsychiatric dysfunctionProvides a systematic review of ultrasonic vocalizations in major groups of rodents widely used in laboratory researchDiscusses numerous other species across vertebrates that emit ultrasounds

Part 1: Introduction Part 2: Evolution of vocal communication system in vertebrates Part 3: Laryngeal mechanisms of ultrasound production in mammals/rodents Part 4: Perception of ultrasonic signals Part 5: Ultrasonic communication of infant rodents Part 6: Characteristics of ultrasonic vocalization in the selected groups of adult rodents Part 7: Vocal expression of emotional states by ultrasonic vocalization, including brain systems for emotional arousal, emotional states, and vocalization Part 8: Ultrasonic vocalization in studies of neuroactive agents (psychostimulants, antidepressants, and cannabinoids) Part 9: Ultrasonic communication in different sociophysiological conditions Part 10: Rodent ultrasonic vocalizations as indices in pharmacological studies of affective disorders, psychoses, addiction, and alcoholism Part 11: Rodent vocalizations as neurodevelopmental indices and underdevelopment Part 12: Ultrasonic vocalization in other vertebrate taxa