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

To assess complex social recognition in mice, we previously developed the paradigm. Unexpectedly, 4 weeks after performing in the 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 testing (presentation of five other mice) versus empty box. A higher (body/tail temperature) in the 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 (within-subject measure) used in mice, the (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 was associated with a characteristic profile. Infrared thermography may have potential for discriminating disturbed social behaviors.