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Flaim M, Blaisdell AP. The effect of age on delay performance and associative learning tasks in pigeons. Learn Behav 2023; 51:281-294. [PMID: 36624334 PMCID: PMC10506936 DOI: 10.3758/s13420-022-00565-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Pigeons are commonly utilized in psychological research, and their cognitive abilities have been thoroughly investigated. Yet very little is known about how these abilities change with age. In contrast, age-related changes in humans, nonhuman primates, and rodents are well documented. Mammalian research consistently shows that older subjects show deficits in a variety of learning and memory processes, particularly those that rely on the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. This research expands the avian aging literature by administering a memory task, the delayed match to sample procedure, and an associative learning task, a conditional or symbolic match to sample procedure, to nine young and 11 old pigeons. Previous research has indicated that these tasks rely on the avian equivalent to the mammalian prefrontal cortex, and we predicted that performance on both tasks would decline with age. In contrast to our predictions, only the associative learning task was sensitive to age-related decline. Performance on the memory task was maintained in older subjects. These results highlight further potential differences in avian versus mammalian aging, particularly when it comes to the prefrontal cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Flaim
- Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany.
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2
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Mehlhorn J, Niski N, Liu K, Caspers S, Amunts K, Herold C. Regional Patterning of Adult Neurogenesis in the Homing Pigeon’s Brain. Front Psychol 2022; 13:889001. [PMID: 35898980 PMCID: PMC9311432 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.889001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In the avian brain, adult neurogenesis has been reported in the telencephalon of several species, but the functional significance of this trait is still ambiguous. Homing pigeons (Columba livia f.d.) are well-known for their navigational skills. Their brains are functionally adapted to homing with, e.g., larger hippocampi. So far, no comprehensive mapping of adult neuro- and gliogenesis or studies of different developmental neuronal stages in the telencephalon of homing pigeons exists, although comprehensive analyses in various species surely will result in a higher understanding of the functional significance of adult neurogenesis. Here, adult, free flying homing pigeons were treated with 5-bromo-deoxyuridine (BrdU) to label adult newborn cells. Brains were dissected and immunohistochemically processed with several markers (GFAP, Sox2, S100ß, Tbr2, DCX, Prox1, Ki67, NeuN, Calbindin, Calretinin) to study different stages of adult neurogenesis in a quantitative and qualitative way. Therefore, immature and adult newborn neurons and glial cells were analyzed along the anterior–posterior axis. The analysis proved the existence of different neuronal maturation stages and showed that immature cells, migrating neurons and adult newborn neurons and glia were widely and regionally unequally distributed. Double- and triple-labelling with developmental markers allowed a stage classification of adult neurogenesis in the pigeon brain (1: continuity of stem cells/proliferation, 2: fate specification, 3: differentiation/maturation, 4: integration). The most adult newborn neurons and glia were found in the intercalated hyperpallium (HI) and the hippocampal formation (HF). The highest numbers of immature (DCX+) cells were detected in the nidopallium (N). Generally, the number of newborn glial cells exceeded the number of newborn neurons. Individual structures (e.g., HI, N, and HF) showed further variations along the anterior–posterior axis. Our qualitative classification and the distribution of maturing cells in the forebrain support the idea that there is a functional specialization, respectively, that there is a link between brain-structure and function, species-specific requirements and adult neurogenesis. The high number of immature neurons also suggests a high level of plasticity, which points to the ability for rapid adaption to environmental changes through additive mechanisms. Furthermore, we discuss a possible influence of adult neurogenesis on spatial cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Mehlhorn
- Institute for Anatomy I, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
- *Correspondence: Julia Mehlhorn,
| | - Nelson Niski
- C. and O. Vogt-Institute for Brain Research, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Ke Liu
- Institute for Anatomy I, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Svenja Caspers
- Institute for Anatomy I, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-1), Research Centre Jülich, Jülich, Germany
| | - Katrin Amunts
- C. and O. Vogt-Institute for Brain Research, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-1), Research Centre Jülich, Jülich, Germany
| | - Christina Herold
- C. and O. Vogt-Institute for Brain Research, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
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3
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Herold C, Ockermann PN, Amunts K. Behavioral Training Related Neurotransmitter Receptor Expression Dynamics in the Nidopallium Caudolaterale and the Hippocampal Formation of Pigeons. Front Physiol 2022; 13:883029. [PMID: 35600306 PMCID: PMC9114877 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.883029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Learning and memory are linked to dynamic changes at the level of synapses in brain areas that are involved in cognitive tasks. For example, changes in neurotransmitter receptors are prerequisite for tuning signals along local circuits and long-range networks. However, it is still unclear how a series of learning events promotes plasticity within the system of neurotransmitter receptors and their subunits to shape information processing at the neuronal level. Therefore, we investigated the expression of different glutamatergic NMDA (GRIN) and AMPA (GRIA) receptor subunits, the GABAergic GABARG2 subunit, dopaminergic DRD1, serotonergic 5HTR1A and noradrenergic ADRA1A receptors in the pigeon’s brain. We studied the nidopallium caudolaterale, the avian analogue of the prefrontal cortex, and the hippocampal formation, after training the birds in a rewarded stimulus-response association (SR) task and in a simultaneous-matching-to-sample (SMTS) task. The results show that receptor expression changed differentially after behavioral training compared to an untrained control group. In the nidopallium caudolaterale, GRIN2B, GRIA3, GRIA4, DRD1D, and ADRA1A receptor expression was altered after SR training and remained constantly decreased after the SMTS training protocol, while GRIA2 and DRD1A decreased only under the SR condition. In the hippocampal formation, GRIN2B decreased and GABARG2 receptor expression increased after SR training. After SMTS sessions, GRIN2B remained decreased, GABARG2 remained increased if compared to the control group. None of the investigated receptors differed directly between both conditions, although differentially altered. The changes in both regions mostly occur in favor of the stimulus response task. Thus, the present data provide evidence that neurotransmitter receptor expression dynamics play a role in the avian prefrontal cortex and the hippocampal formation for behavioral training and is uniquely, regionally and functionally associated to cognitive processes including learning and memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Herold
- C. & O. Vogt-Institute for Brain Research, Medical Faculty, University Hospital and Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Philipp N Ockermann
- C. & O. Vogt-Institute for Brain Research, Medical Faculty, University Hospital and Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Katrin Amunts
- C. & O. Vogt-Institute for Brain Research, Medical Faculty, University Hospital and Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine INM-1, Research Center Jülich, Jülich, Germany
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4
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Loss CM, Melleu FF, Domingues K, Lino-de-Oliveira C, Viola GG. Combining Animal Welfare With Experimental Rigor to Improve Reproducibility in Behavioral Neuroscience. Front Behav Neurosci 2021; 15:763428. [PMID: 34916915 PMCID: PMC8671008 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2021.763428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Cássio Morais Loss
- Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience Laboratory, Departamento de Farmacologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- National Institute for Translational Medicine (INCT-TM), National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq/CAPES/FAPESP), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | | | - Karolina Domingues
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Cilene Lino-de-Oliveira
- Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas do Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
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5
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Jacobs B, Rally H, Doyle C, O'Brien L, Tennison M, Marino L. Putative neural consequences of captivity for elephants and cetaceans. Rev Neurosci 2021; 33:439-465. [PMID: 34534428 DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2021-0100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The present review assesses the potential neural impact of impoverished, captive environments on large-brained mammals, with a focus on elephants and cetaceans. These species share several characteristics, including being large, wide-ranging, long-lived, cognitively sophisticated, highly social, and large-brained mammals. Although the impact of the captive environment on physical and behavioral health has been well-documented, relatively little attention has been paid to the brain itself. Here, we explore the potential neural consequences of living in captive environments, with a focus on three levels: (1) The effects of environmental impoverishment/enrichment on the brain, emphasizing the negative neural consequences of the captive/impoverished environment; (2) the neural consequences of stress on the brain, with an emphasis on corticolimbic structures; and (3) the neural underpinnings of stereotypies, often observed in captive animals, underscoring dysregulation of the basal ganglia and associated circuitry. To this end, we provide a substantive hypothesis about the negative impact of captivity on the brains of large mammals (e.g., cetaceans and elephants) and how these neural consequences are related to documented evidence for compromised physical and psychological well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bob Jacobs
- Laboratory of Quantitative Neuromorphology, Neuroscience Program, Colorado College, Colorado Springs, CO, 80903, USA
| | - Heather Rally
- Foundation to Support Animal Protection, Norfolk, VA, 23510, USA
| | - Catherine Doyle
- Performing Animal Welfare Society, P.O. Box 849, Galt, CA, 95632, USA
| | - Lester O'Brien
- Palladium Elephant Consulting Inc., 2408 Pinewood Dr. SE, Calgary, AB, T2B1S4, Canada
| | - Mackenzie Tennison
- Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Lori Marino
- Whale Sanctuary Project, Kanab, UT, 84741, USA
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6
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Pimentel HDC, Macêdo-Lima M, Viola GG, Melleu FF, Dos Santos TS, Franco HS, da Silva RDS, Lino-de-Oliveira C, Marino-Neto J, Dos Santos JR, Marchioro M. Telencephalic distributions of doublecortin and glial fibrillary acidic protein suggest novel migratory pathways in adult lizards. J Chem Neuroanat 2020; 112:101901. [PMID: 33271217 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2020.101901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Adult neurogenesis has been reported in all major vertebrate taxa. However, neurogenic rates and the number of neurogenic foci vary greatly, and are higher in ancestral taxa. Our study aimed to evaluate the distribution of doublecortin (DCX) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in telencephalic areas of the adult tropical lizard Tropidurus hispidus. We describe evidence for four main neurogenic foci, which coincide anatomically with the ventricular sulci described by the literature. Based on neuronal morphology, we infer four migratory patterns/pathways. In the cortex, patterns of GFAP and DCX staining support radial migrations from ventricular zones into cortical areas and dorsoventricular ridge. Cells radiating from the sulcus septomedialis (SM) seemed to migrate to the medial cortex and dorsal cortex. From the sulcus lateralis (SL), they seemed to be bound for the lateral cortex, central amygdala and nucleus sphericus. We describe a DCX-positive stream originating in the caudal sulcus ventralis and seemingly bound for the olfactory bulb, resembling a rostral migratory stream. We provide evidence for a previously undescribed tangential dorso-septo-caudal migratory stream, with neuroblasts supported by DCX-positive fibers. Finally, we provide evidence for a commissural migration stream seemingly bound for the contralateral nucleus sphericus. Therefore, in addition to two previously known migratory streams, this study provides anatomical evidence in support for two novel migratory routes in amniotes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo de C Pimentel
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristovão, SE, Brazil
| | - Matheus Macêdo-Lima
- Center for Neuroendocrine Studies, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Giordano G Viola
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristovão, SE, Brazil
| | - Fernando F Melleu
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, SC, Brazil
| | - Tiago S Dos Santos
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, SC, Brazil
| | - Heitor S Franco
- Laboratory of Behavioral and Evolutionary Neurobiology, Department of Biosciences, Federal University of Sergipe, Itabaiana, SE, Brazil
| | - Rodolfo Dos S da Silva
- Laboratory of Behavioral and Evolutionary Neurobiology, Department of Biosciences, Federal University of Sergipe, Itabaiana, SE, Brazil
| | | | - José Marino-Neto
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, SC, Brazil
| | - José R Dos Santos
- Laboratory of Behavioral and Evolutionary Neurobiology, Department of Biosciences, Federal University of Sergipe, Itabaiana, SE, Brazil.
| | - Murilo Marchioro
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristovão, SE, Brazil.
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7
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Armstrong EA, Voelkl B, Voegeli S, Gebhardt-Henrich SG, Guy JH, Sandilands V, Boswell T, Toscano MJ, Smulders TV. Cell Proliferation in the Adult Chicken Hippocampus Correlates With Individual Differences in Time Spent in Outdoor Areas and Tonic Immobility. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:587. [PMID: 33005647 PMCID: PMC7479223 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Access to outdoor areas is provided as a means of enhancing welfare in commercial systems for laying hens (Gallus gallus domesticus), but substantial individual differences exist in their proportional use. Baseline cell proliferation levels of Adult Hippocampal Neurogenesis (AHN) have been associated with individual differences in reactive vs. proactive coping style, and in both mammals and birds, AHN is upregulated by positive experiences including environmental enrichment and exercise. We thus sought to explore whether individual differences in use of outdoor areas and in tonic immobility responses (indicative of fearfulness) were associated with hippocampal cell proliferation and neuronal differentiation. Radio frequency identification technology was used to track the ranging behavior of 440 individual focal hens within a commercially-relevant system over a 72-days period, after which tonic immobility durations were measured. Following hippocampal tissue collection from 58 focal hens, proliferation and neuronal differentiation were measured through quantitative PCR for proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and doublecortin mRNA, respectively. Individual differences in tonic immobility duration positively correlated with PCNA expression over the whole hippocampal formation, while greater time spent in outdoor areas (the grassy range and stone yard) was associated with higher proliferation in the rostral subregion. Basal proliferation in the chicken hippocampal formation may thus relate to reactivity, while levels in the rostral region may be stimulated by ranging experience. Doublecortin expression in the caudal hippocampus negatively co-varied with time on the grassy range, but was not associated with tonic immobility duration. This suggests that ranging outside may be associated with stress. Within laying hen flocks, individual differences in hippocampal plasticity thus relate to coping style and use of external areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena A Armstrong
- Centre for Behaviour and Evolution, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom.,Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Bernhard Voelkl
- Centre for Proper Housing: Poultry and Rabbits (ZTHZ), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sabine Voegeli
- Centre for Proper Housing: Poultry and Rabbits (ZTHZ), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Jonathan H Guy
- Centre for Behaviour and Evolution, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom.,School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Victoria Sandilands
- Department of Agriculture, Horticulture, and Engineering Science, SRUC, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Tim Boswell
- Centre for Behaviour and Evolution, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom.,School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Michael J Toscano
- Centre for Proper Housing: Poultry and Rabbits (ZTHZ), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Tom V Smulders
- Centre for Behaviour and Evolution, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom.,Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
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8
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Mazengenya P, Bhagwandin A, Ihunwo AO. Putative adult neurogenesis in palaeognathous birds: The common ostrich (Struthio camelus) and emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae). Int J Dev Neurosci 2020; 80:613-635. [PMID: 32767787 DOI: 10.1002/jdn.10057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 08/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In the current study, we examined adult neurogenesis throughout the brain of the common ostrich (Struthio camelus) and emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae) using immunohistochemistry for the endogenous markers PCNA which labels proliferating cells, and DCX, which stains immature and migrating neurons. The distribution of PCNA and DCX labelled cells was widespread throughout the brain of both species. The highest density of cells immunoreactive to both markers was observed in the olfactory bulbs and the telencephalon, especially the subventricular zone of the lateral ventricle. Proliferative hot spots, identified with strong PCNA and DCX immunolabelling, were identified in the dorsal and ventral poles of the rostral aspects of the lateral ventricles. The density of PCNA immunoreactive cells was less in the telencephalon of the emu compared to the common ostrich. Substantial numbers of PCNA immunoreactive cells were observed in the diencephalon and brainstem, but DCX immunoreactivity was weaker in these regions, preferentially staining axons and dendrites over cell bodies, except in the medial regions of the hypothalamus where distinct DCX immunoreactive cells and fibres were observed. PCNA and DCX immunoreactive cells were readily observed in moderate density in the cortical layers of the cerebellum of both species. The distribution of putative proliferating cells and immature neurons in the brain of the common ostrich and the emu is widespread, far more so than in mammals, and compares with the neognathous birds, and suggests that brain plasticity and neuronal turnover is an important aspect of cognitive brain functions in these birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedzisai Mazengenya
- College of Medicine, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates.,School of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Adhil Bhagwandin
- Division of Clinical Anatomy and Biological Anthropology, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa
| | - Amadi O Ihunwo
- School of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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9
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Armstrong EA, Rufener C, Toscano MJ, Eastham JE, Guy JH, Sandilands V, Boswell T, Smulders TV. Keel bone fractures induce a depressive-like state in laying hens. Sci Rep 2020; 10:3007. [PMID: 32080271 PMCID: PMC7033198 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-59940-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In commercial flocks of laying hens, keel bone fractures (KBFs) are prevalent and associated with behavioural indicators of pain. However, whether their impact is severe enough to induce a depressive-like state of chronic stress is unknown. As chronic stress downregulates adult hippocampal neurogenesis (AHN) in mammals and birds, we employ this measure as a neural biomarker of subjective welfare state. Radiographs obtained longitudinally from Lohmann Brown laying hens housed in a commercial multi-tier aviary were used to score the severity of naturally-occurring KBFs between the ages of 21-62 weeks. Individual birds' transitions between aviary zones were also recorded. Focal hens with severe KBFs at 3-4 weeks prior to sampling (n = 15) had lower densities of immature doublecortin-positive (DCX+) multipolar and bipolar neurons in the hippocampal formation than focal hens with minimal fractures (n = 9). KBF severity scores at this time also negatively predicted DCX+ cell numbers on an individual level, while hens that acquired fractures earlier in their lives had fewer DCX+ neurons in the caudal hippocampal formation. Activity levels 3-4 weeks prior to sampling were not associated with AHN. KBFs thus lead to a negative affective state lasting at least 3-4 weeks, and management steps to reduce their occurrence are likely to have significant welfare benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- E A Armstrong
- Centre for Behaviour & Evolution, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
| | - C Rufener
- Department of Animal Science, University of California, Davis, USA
- Centre for Proper Housing: Poultry and Rabbits (ZTHZ), University of Bern, Zollikofen, Switzerland
| | - M J Toscano
- Centre for Proper Housing: Poultry and Rabbits (ZTHZ), University of Bern, Zollikofen, Switzerland
| | - J E Eastham
- Centre for Behaviour & Evolution, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - J H Guy
- Centre for Behaviour & Evolution, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - V Sandilands
- Department of Agriculture, Horticulture and Engineering Sciences, SRUC, Edinburgh, UK
| | - T Boswell
- Centre for Behaviour & Evolution, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - T V Smulders
- Centre for Behaviour & Evolution, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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10
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Herold C, Schlömer P, Mafoppa-Fomat I, Mehlhorn J, Amunts K, Axer M. The hippocampus of birds in a view of evolutionary connectomics. Cortex 2019; 118:165-187. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cortex.2018.09.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Revised: 09/26/2018] [Accepted: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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11
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Expression of aggressiveness modulates mesencephalic c-fos activation during a social interaction test in Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica). Behav Brain Res 2019; 367:221-229. [PMID: 30951752 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2019.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2018] [Revised: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
It is well known that during a social conflict, interactions are dependent on the animal's propensity to behave aggressively as well as the behavior of the opponent. However, discriminating between these two confounding factors was difficult. Recently, a Social Interaction (SI) test using photocastrated males as non-aggressive stimuli was proposed as a useful tool to evaluate aggressiveness. The avian Intercollicular- Griseum centralis complex (comparable to mammalian periaqueductal gray) has been reported as a crucial node in the descending pathways that organize behavioral and autonomic aspects of defensive responses and aggressiveness. Herein, using the SI test, we evaluated whether mesencephalic areas are activated (expressed c-fos) when photostimulated adult males are confronted with non-responsive (non-aggressive) opponents. Furthermore, we also examined whether mesencephalic activation is related to male performance during the SI test (i.e., aggressive vs. non-aggressive males) in birds reared in enriched or in standard environments. Five mesencephalic areas at two anatomic levels (intermediate and rostral) and locomotion during SI testing were studied. Aggressive males showed increased c-fos expression in all areas studied, and moved at faster speeds in comparison to their non-aggressive and control counterparts. Non-aggressive males and the test controls showed similar c-fos labeling. In general, rearing condition did not appear to influence c-fos expression nor behavior during the SI test. Findings suggest that mesencephalic activation is involved when males are actively expressing aggressive behaviors. This overall phenomenon is shown regardless of both the environmental stimuli provided during the birds´ rearing and the potentially stressful stimuli during the SI trial.
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12
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Validation of hippocampal biomarkers of cumulative affective experience. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2019; 101:113-121. [PMID: 30951763 PMCID: PMC6525303 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.03.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2018] [Revised: 03/29/2019] [Accepted: 03/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Recent knowledge on hippocampal structural plasticity is reviewed. This knowledge is harnessed to develop biomarkers of cumulative experience. Hippocampal plasticity is shown to have construct, content and criterion validity in mammals. The biomarkers require further validation to be used in birds and fish. We discuss some practical considerations to implement the biomarkers.
Progress in improving the welfare of captive animals has been hindered by a lack of objective indicators to assess the quality of lifetime experience, often called cumulative affective experience. Recent developments in stress biology and psychiatry have shed new light on the role of the mammalian hippocampus in affective processes. Here we review these findings and argue that structural hippocampal biomarkers demonstrate criterion, construct and content validity as indicators of cumulative affective experience in mammals. We also briefly review emerging findings in birds and fish, which have promising implications for applying the hippocampal approach to these taxa, but require further validation. We hope that this review will motivate welfare researchers and neuroscientists to explore the potential of hippocampal biomarkers of cumulative affective experience.
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13
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Nkomozepi P, Mazengenya P, Ihunwo AO. Quantitative analysis of age and life-history stage related changes in DCX expression in the male Japanese quail (Cortunix japonica) telencephalon. Int J Dev Neurosci 2019; 74:38-48. [PMID: 30890437 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijdevneu.2019.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Revised: 01/23/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Most avian neurogenesis studies focused on the song control system and little attention has been given to non-song birds such as the Japanese quail. However, the only few neurogenesis studies in quails mainly focused on the sex steroid sensitive areas of the brain such as the medial preoptic and lateral septal nuclei. Despite the important role the quail telencephalon plays in filial imprinting and passive avoidance learning, neurogenesis in this structure has been completely overlooked. The aim of this study was therefore to quantitatively determine how DCX expression in the Japanese quail telencephalon changes with post hatching age (3-12 weeks) and life history stage. In this study, DCX was used as a proxy for neuronal incorporation. Bipolar and multipolar DCX immunoreactive cells were observed in the entire telencephalon except for the entopallium and arcopallium. In addition, DCX expression in all the eight telencephalic areas quantified was strongly negatively correlated with post-hatching age. Furthermore, numbers of bipolar and multipolar DCX immunoreactive cells were higher in the juvenile compared to subadult and adult quails. In conclusion, neuronal incorporation in the quail telencephalon is widespread but it declines with post hatching age. In addition, the most dramatic decline in neuronal incorporation in the telencephalic areas quantified takes place just after the birds have attained sexual maturity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pilani Nkomozepi
- School of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa; Department of Human Anatomy & Physiology, University of Johannesburg, Cnr Siemert and Beit Streets, Doornfontein, Johannesburg, 2094, South Africa
| | - Pedzisai Mazengenya
- School of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa
| | - Amadi O Ihunwo
- School of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa.
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Mazengenya P, Bhagwandin A, Manger PR, Ihunwo AO. Putative Adult Neurogenesis in Old World Parrots: The Congo African Grey Parrot ( Psittacus erithacus) and Timneh Grey Parrot ( Psittacus timneh). Front Neuroanat 2018; 12:7. [PMID: 29487507 PMCID: PMC5816827 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2018.00007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2017] [Accepted: 01/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In the current study, we examined for the first time, the potential for adult neurogenesis throughout the brain of the Congo African grey parrot (Psittacus erithacus) and Timneh grey parrot (Psittacus timneh) using immunohistochemistry for the endogenous markers proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), which labels proliferating cells, and doublecortin (DCX), which stains immature and migrating neurons. A similar distribution of PCNA and DCX immunoreactivity was found throughout the brain of the Congo African grey and Timneh grey parrots, but minor differences were also observed. In both species of parrots, PCNA and DCX immunoreactivity was observed in the olfactory bulbs, subventricular zone of the lateral wall of the lateral ventricle, telencephalic subdivisions of the pallium and subpallium, diencephalon, mesencephalon and the rhombencephalon. The olfactory bulb and telencephalic subdivisions exhibited a higher density of both PCNA and DCX immunoreactive cells than any other brain region. DCX immunoreactive staining was stronger in the telencephalon than in the subtelencephalic structures. There was evidence of proliferative hot spots in the dorsal and ventral poles of the lateral ventricle in the Congo African grey parrots at rostral levels, whereas only the dorsal accumulation of proliferating cells was observed in the Timneh grey parrot. In most pallial regions the density of PCNA and DCX stained cells increased from rostral to caudal levels with the densest staining in the nidopallium caudolaterale (NCL). The widespread distribution of PCNA and DCX in the brains of both parrot species suggest the importance of adult neurogenesis and neuronal plasticity during learning and adaptation to external environmental variations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedzisai Mazengenya
- School of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Adhil Bhagwandin
- School of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Paul R Manger
- School of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Amadi O Ihunwo
- School of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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15
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Nkomozepi P, Mazengenya P, Ihunwo AO. Changes in neurogenesis with post-hatching age in the male Japanese quail (Cortunix japonica) brain. Acta Neurobiol Exp (Wars) 2018. [DOI: 10.21307/ane-2018-016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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16
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Mazengenya P, Bhagwandin A, Nkomozepi P, Manger PR, Ihunwo AO. Putative adult neurogenesis in two domestic pigeon breeds (Columba livia domestica): racing homer versus utility carneau pigeons. Neural Regen Res 2017; 12:1086-1096. [PMID: 28852390 PMCID: PMC5558487 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.211187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Generation of neurons in the brains of adult birds has been studied extensively in the telencephalon of song birds and few studies are reported on the distribution of PCNA and DCX in the telencephalon of adult non-song learning birds. We report here on adult neurogenesis throughout the brains of two breeds of adult domestic pigeons (Columba livia domestica), the racing homer and utility carneau using endogenous immunohistochemical markers proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) for proliferating cells and doublecortin (DCX) for immature and migrating neurons. The distribution of PCNA and DCX immunoreactivity was very similar in both pigeon breeds with only a few minor differences. In both pigeons, PCNA and DCX immunoreactivity was observed in the olfactory bulbs, walls of the lateral ventricle, telencephalic subdivisions of the pallium and subpallium, diencephalon, mesencephalon and cerebellum. Generally, the olfactory bulbs and telencephalon had more PCNA and DCX cells than other regions. Two proliferative hotspots were evident in the dorsal and ventral poles of the lateral ventricles. PCNA- and DCX-immunoreactive cells migrated radially from the walls of the lateral ventricle into the parenchyma. In most telencephalic regions, the density of PCNA- and DCX-immunoreactive cells increased from rostral to caudal, except in the mesopallium where the density decreased from rostral to middle levels and then increased caudally. DCX immunoreactivity was more intense in fibres than in cell bodies and DCX-immunoreactive cells included small granular cells, fusiform bipolar cells, large round and or polygonal multipolar cells. The similarity in the distribution of proliferating cells and new neurons in the telencephalon of the two breeds of pigeons may suggest that adult neurogenesis is a conserved trait as an ecological adaptation irrespective of body size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedzisai Mazengenya
- School of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Adhil Bhagwandin
- School of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Pilani Nkomozepi
- School of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Paul R Manger
- School of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Amadi O Ihunwo
- School of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Powers AS. Plasticity and Adult Neurogenesis in Amphibians and Reptiles: More Questions than Answers. BRAIN, BEHAVIOR AND EVOLUTION 2016; 87:175-183. [DOI: 10.1159/000447047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Studies of the relationship between behavioral plasticity and new cells in the adult brain in amphibians and reptiles are sparse but demonstrate that environmental and hormonal variables do have an effect on the amount of cell proliferation and/or migration. The variables that are reviewed here are: enriched environment, social stimulation, spatial area use, season, photoperiod and temperature, and testosterone. Fewer data are available for amphibians than for reptiles, but for both groups many issues are still to be resolved. It is to be hoped that the questions raised here will generate more answers in future studies.
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