Vascular response to social cognitive performance measured by infrared thermography: A translational study from mouse to man

Abstract

Abstract To assess complex social recognition in mice, we previously developed the SocioBox paradigm. Unexpectedly, 4 weeks after performing in the SocioBox, mice displayed robust social avoidance during Y‐maze sociability testing. This unique “sociophobia” acquisition could be documented in independent cohorts. We therefore employed infrared thermography as a non‐invasive method of stress‐monitoring during SocioBox testing (presentation of five other mice) versus empty box. A higher Centralization Index (body/tail temperature) in the SocioBox correlated negatively with social recognition memory and, after 4 weeks, with social preference in the Y‐maze. Assuming that social stimuli might be associated with characteristic thermo‐responses, we exposed healthy men (N = 103) with a comparably high intelligence level to a standardized test session including two cognitive tests with or without social component (face versus pattern recognition). In some analogy to the Centralization Index (within‐subject measure) used in mice, the Reference Index (ratio nose/malar cheek temperature) was introduced to determine the autonomic facial response/flushing during social recognition testing. Whereas cognitive performance and salivary cortisol were comparable across human subjects and tests, the Face Recognition Test was associated with a characteristic Reference Index profile. Infrared thermography may have potential for discriminating disturbed social behaviors.

Keywords

• flushing
• IRT
• social stimulus
• stress
• temperature
• vasoactivity