Dimensions of Emotionality in a Rat Model of Innate Anxiety

Emotionality is thought to be multidimensional, with "anxiety" representing one dimension. Dissecting emotional dimensions in animal models is an essential prerequisite for investigating the neurobiological mechanisms that underlie anxiety. The authors used factor analysis to investigate emotional dimensions in normal rats and rats bred for either high or low anxiety-related behavior. Hyperanxious rats were reduced in emotional dimensions in the elevated plus-maze by selection pressure, and a modified hole board test revealed a dissection of their emotionality with precisely defined dimensions. This enabled clear differentiation of "anxiety" from other emotional dimensions including risk assessment behavior and exploration. Factors extracted by analyzing data from a multiple-test battery corresponded to particular test characteristics rather than to emotional dimensions. The approach used might help to develop specific treatment strategies for anxiety disorders.