Audiovisual overstimulation in childhood and adolescence promotes hyperactive behaviour in adult mice

Abstract

There is a discussion about the impact of technological development on behavioural aspects, a nuance that the present study aimed to assess. p21, p26 and p36 mice were subjected to audio (70 db) and visual stimulation (flashing lights) for 2 or 6 h per day until p64. Naive animals were included. From p74 onwards, the animals were subjected to tests to assess their locomotion, depression, anxiety, aggressiveness, and nociception behaviours. Weight assessment was also performed. The animals that received stimulation for 2 h a day since p21 showed a decrease in rearing and grooming behaviour in the open field test, as well as in the mechanical orofacial sensitivity. Animals that received stimulation for 6 h daily since p21 showed increased locomotor activity in the open field test. Animals that received stimulation for 2 h a day since p26 showed an increase in locomotor activity and a decrease in grooming behaviour in the open field test, in addition to a reduction in the number of entries in the closed arm of the elevated plus maze. Animals stimulated from p26 for 6 h daily increased the reaction time to the thermal stimulus. Animals that received stimulation for 2 h daily since p36 showed an increase in locomotor activity and a decrease in grooming behaviour in the open field test. Taken together, these findings suggest that audiovisual overstimulation during critical periods of brain development may have adverse effects compatible with hyperactivity in adulthood.

Keywords: Behaviour; Hyperactivity; Mice; Sensory overstimulation; Technology.