Effects of Psychostimulants on Rat Emotional States and Emission of Ultrasonic Vocalizations

Psychostimulants are drugs consumed worldwide that may have a profound influence on the emotional state and that possess marked addictive properties. For these reasons, the pharmacological effects of psychostimulants are extensively studied at both the preclinical and clinical levels. With regard to preclinical research, it is noteworthy that ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) are being increasingly used as a tool in investigating the influence of psychostimulants on motivational processes and in elucidating the interplay between modifications in the emotional states and psychostimulant-induced addiction. This chapter provides an overview of the effects of psychostimulants on the emission of USVs in rats, focusing on results obtained in adult animals. The most recent evidence is discussed in regard to the effects of psychostimulants on the emotional state and, when relevant, to the other central and peripheral effects of these drugs.