Neuroestrogen synthesis modifies neural representations of learned song without altering vocal imitation in developing songbirds.

ABSTRACT: Birdsong learning, like human speech, depends on the early memorization of auditory models, yet how initial auditory experiences are formed and consolidated is unclear. In songbirds, a putative cortical locus is the caudomedial nidopallium (NCM), and one mechanism to facilitate auditory consolidation is 17β-estradiol (E2), which is associated with human speech-language development, and is abundant in both NCM and human temporal cortex. Circulating and NCM E2 levels are dynamic during learning, suggesting E2's involvement in encoding recent auditory experiences. Therefore, we tested this hypothesis in juvenile male songbirds using a comprehensive assessment of neuroanatomy, behavior, and neurophysiology. First, we found that brain aromatase expression, and thus the capacity to synthesize ne

SUBMITTER: Vahaba DM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7046723 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature