The postnatal development of ultrasonic vocalization‐associated breathing is altered in glycine transporter 2‐deficient mice

Key points Newborn mice produce ultrasonic vocalization to communicate with their mother. The neuronal glycine transporter (GlyT2) is required for efficient loading of synaptic vesicles in glycinergic neurons. Mice lacking GlyT2 develop a phenotype that resembles human hyperekplexia and the mice die in the second postnatal week. In the present study, we show that GlyT2‐knockout mice do not acquire adult ultrasonic vocalization‐associated breathing patterns. Despite the strong impairment of glycinergic inhibition, they can produce sufficient expiratory airflow to produce ultrasonic vocalization. Because mouse ultrasonic vocalization is a valuable read‐out in translational research, these data are highly relevant for a broad range of research fields.Abstract Mouse models are instrumental with respect to determining the genetic basis and neural foundations of breathing regulation. To test the hypothesis that glycinergic synaptic inhibition is required for normal breathing and proper post‐inspiratory activity, we analysed breathing and ultrasonic vocalization (USV) patterns in neonatal mice lacking the neuronal glycine transporter (GlyT2). GlyT2‐knockout (KO) mice have a profound reduction of glycinergic synaptic currents already at birth, develop a severe motor phenotype and survive only until the second postnatal week. At this stage, GlyT2‐KO mice are smaller, have a reduced respiratory rate and still display a neonatal breathing pattern with active expiration for the production of USV. By contrast, wild‐type mice acquire different USV‐associated breathing patterns that depend on post‐inspiratory control of air flow. Nonetheless, USVs per se remain largely indistinguishable between both genotypes. We conclude that GlyT2‐KO mice, despite the strong impairment of glycinergic inhibition, can produce sufficient expiratory airflow to produce ultrasonic vocalization.