Panic Response

Panic disorder is an anxiety disorder characterized by panic attacks; it is the sudden onset of intense distress with a desire to escape and/or a strong behavioral inhibition. In rats, panic-like attacks can be modeled using the so-called “ultrasound-induced defensive like behavior”. 22 kHz ultrasound calls are emitted by rats to warn conspecifics about an immediate threat. These alarm calls induce panic-like behavior in the conspecifics, characterized by initial escape responses and subsequent fear reaction.

Panic Response experiments in rats are performed within the multi-purpose “Fear Conditioning” software of the Multi Conditioning System. Customized experimental control files can be freely programmed with the flexible Program Editor that include the output of 22 kHz sine sound – the induced panic response of the rat is characterized by hyperactive locomotion after the onset of the alarm call (escape) and subsequent freezing, i.e. the absence of movement (fear). Treatment with anxiolytics may selectively reduce escape and/or freezing. Locomotor data acquired with high spatial and temporal resolution are evaluated by taking user-defined time intervals as well as speed and freezing thresholds into account resulting in customized export files for further statistics.

Combine your automated measurement with camera observation or use the integrated TTL output signals to perform optogenetic stimulation or electrophysiology – please contact us to discuss your specific needs.