Vocal communication and its neural basis in mice: Prospects for the study of autonomic nervous system

Abstract

Ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) have been used in experimental models of mice and rats, especially in maternal and male-female courtship contexts. In 2005, it was reported that mouse courtship vocalizations have a song-like structure similar to that of birds. Since then, mouse courtship vocalizations have been used as indicators of communication and in various models such as autism-related genetically engineered mice to study sociability, affinity, and language function. In this paper, we provide an overview of these rodent USVs and discuss their association with the autonomic nervous system. Vocalization is closely related to the nervous system that controls the respiratory system. Therefore, vocal communication research may have useful implications for future studies of autonomic nerves and the diseases they are associated with.