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McLean CR, Mata A, Kline RJ, Berg KS. Early corticosterone increases vocal complexity in a wild parrot: An organizational role of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in vocal learning? J Neuroendocrinol 2024:e13365. [PMID: 38200690 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
The neuroendocrinology of vocal learning is exceptionally well known in passerine songbirds. Despite huge life history, genetic and ecological variation across passerines, song learning tends to occur as a result of rises in gonadal and non-gonadal sex steroids that shape telencephalic vocal control circuits and song. Parrots are closely related but independently evolved different cerebral circuits for vocal repertoire acquisition in both sexes that serve a broader suite of social functions and do not appear to be shaped by early androgens or estrogens; instead, parrots begin a plastic phase in vocal development at an earlier life history stage that favors the growth, maturation, and survival functions of corticosteroids. As evidence, corticosterone (CORT) supplements given to wild green-rumped parrotlets (Forpus passerinus) during the first week of vocal babbling resulted in larger vocal repertoires in both sexes in the remaining days before fledging. Here, we replicate this experiment but began treatment 1 week before in development, analyzing both experiments in one model and a stronger test of the organizational effects of CORT on repertoire acquisition. Early CORT treatment resulted in significantly larger repertoires compared to late treatment. Both treatment groups showed weak negative effects on the early, reduplicated stage of babbling and strong, positive effects of CORT on the later, variegated stage. Results are consistent with more formative effects of corticosteroids at earlier developmental stages and a role of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) in vocal repertoire acquisition. Given the early emergence of speech in human ontogeny, parrots are a promising model for understanding the putative role of the HPA axis in the construction of neural circuits that support language acquisition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celia R McLean
- Department of Biology, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Brownsville, Texas, USA
| | - Astolfo Mata
- Centro de Ecología, Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas, Caracas, Venezuela
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Universite de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Richard J Kline
- Department of Biology, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Brownsville, Texas, USA
- School of Earth Environmental and Marine Sciences, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Brownsville, Texas, USA
| | - Karl S Berg
- Department of Biology, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Brownsville, Texas, USA
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2
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Smulders TV. Telencephalic regulation of the HPA axis in birds. Neurobiol Stress 2021; 15:100351. [PMID: 34189191 PMCID: PMC8220096 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2021.100351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is one of the major output systems of the vertebrate stress response. It controls the release of cortisol or corticosterone from the adrenal gland. These hormones regulate a range of processes throughout the brain and body, with the main function of mobilizing energy reserves to improve coping with a stressful situation. This axis is regulated in response to both physical (e.g., osmotic) and psychological (e.g., social) stressors. In mammals, the telencephalon plays an important role in the regulation of the HPA axis response in particular to psychological stressors, with the amygdala and part of prefrontal cortex stimulating the stress response, and the hippocampus and another part of prefrontal cortex inhibiting the response to return it to baseline. Birds also mount HPA axis responses to psychological stressors, but much less is known about the telencephalic areas that control this response. This review summarizes which telencephalic areas in birds are connected to the HPA axis and are known to respond to stressful situations. The conclusion is that the telencephalic control of the HPA axis is probably an ancient system that dates from before the split between sauropsid and synapsid reptiles, but more research is needed into the functional relationships between the brain areas reviewed in birds if we want to understand the level of this conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom V. Smulders
- Centre for Behaviour & Evolution, Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
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3
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Suzuki K, Ikebuchi M, Kagawa H, Koike T, Okanoya K. Effects of domestication on neophobia: A comparison between the domesticated Bengalese finch (Lonchura striata var. domestica) and its wild ancestor, the white-rumped munia (Lonchura striata). Behav Processes 2021; 193:104502. [PMID: 34530107 DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2021.104502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Bengalese finches (Lonchura striata var. domestica) have more complex song traits than their wild ancestors, white-rumped munias (Lonchura striata). Domesticated finches are likely able to allocate more resources to reproduction (e.g. singing) rather than to mechanisms intended for coping with predation, which are no longer needed under domesticated conditions. Here, we aimed to examine the effects of changes in selection pressure due to domestication on the behaviour of Bengalese finches and to contemplate the possible evolutionary mechanisms underlying these changes. To do so, we compared neophobic responses to novel-object conditions as an assessment of reactions to potential predators. We studied groups of Bengalese finches and white-rumped munias and found that Bengalese finches were more likely to eat the food provided to them under novel-object conditions. Bengalese finches had a shorter latency time to eat, and this latency time was less affected by the novel object in the case of Bengalese finches compared to white-rumped munias. Therefore, Bengalese finches have reduced neophobic responses due to domestication. The behavioural strategies of white-rumped munias appear to be more suitable for natural environments, which include unpredictable risks, whereas Bengalese finches have likely adapted their behaviour to the conditions of artificial selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenta Suzuki
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Nihon Institute of Medical Science, Moroyama-machi 350-0435, Japan; Laboratory for Biolinguistics, RIKEN Brain Science Institute (BSI), Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan; Okanoya Emotional Information Project, Exploratory Research for Advanced Technology (ERATO), Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan; Cognition and Behavior Joint Research Laboratory, RIKEN Center for Brain Science (CBS), Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan.
| | - Maki Ikebuchi
- Laboratory for Biolinguistics, RIKEN Brain Science Institute (BSI), Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan; Okanoya Emotional Information Project, Exploratory Research for Advanced Technology (ERATO), Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan; Cognition and Behavior Joint Research Laboratory, RIKEN Center for Brain Science (CBS), Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Hiroko Kagawa
- Department of Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-8902, Japan; Laboratory for Biolinguistics, RIKEN Brain Science Institute (BSI), Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan; Okanoya Emotional Information Project, Exploratory Research for Advanced Technology (ERATO), Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan; Cognition and Behavior Joint Research Laboratory, RIKEN Center for Brain Science (CBS), Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Taku Koike
- Laboratory for Biolinguistics, RIKEN Brain Science Institute (BSI), Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Kazuo Okanoya
- Department of Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-8902, Japan; Laboratory for Biolinguistics, RIKEN Brain Science Institute (BSI), Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan; Okanoya Emotional Information Project, Exploratory Research for Advanced Technology (ERATO), Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan; Cognition and Behavior Joint Research Laboratory, RIKEN Center for Brain Science (CBS), Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
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4
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Deviche P, Bittner S, Gao S, Valle S. Roles and Mechanistic Bases of Glucocorticoid Regulation of Avian Reproduction. Integr Comp Biol 2018; 57:1184-1193. [PMID: 28985390 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icx112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
To maximize fitness, organisms must invest energetic and nutritional resources into developing, activating, and maintaining reproductive physiology and behavior. Corticosterone (CORT), the primary avian glucocorticoid, regulates energetic reserves to meet metabolic demands. At low (baseline) plasma levels, CORT activates avian mineralocorticoid receptors and may stimulate lipid mobilization, foraging activity, and feeding behavior. During stress in birds, elevated plasma CORT also stimulates glucocorticoid receptors and may promote glycemia, lipolysis, and proteolysis. Furthermore, CORT orchestrates physiological and behavioral adjustments to perceived threats. While many avian studies demonstrate effects of CORT on reproduction, few studies have elucidated the mechanisms, including receptor activation and site(s) of action, which underlie these effects. Even fewer studies have investigated how low and elevated plasma CORT regulates energetic reserves to meet the metabolic demands of reproduction. Here, we propose several hypotheses to clarify the direct and indirect effects of CORT on avian reproductive physiology and behavior. In addition, we emphasize the need for new manipulative studies involving alterations of endogenous plasma CORT levels and/or food availability to elucidate how CORT regulates the energetic demands of reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Deviche
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287-4501, USA
| | - Stephanie Bittner
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287-4501, USA
| | - Sisi Gao
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287-4501, USA
| | - Shelley Valle
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287-4501, USA
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5
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Pfenning AR, Hara E, Whitney O, Rivas MV, Wang R, Roulhac PL, Howard JT, Wirthlin M, Lovell PV, Ganapathy G, Mouncastle J, Moseley MA, Thompson JW, Soderblom EJ, Iriki A, Kato M, Gilbert MTP, Zhang G, Bakken T, Bongaarts A, Bernard A, Lein E, Mello CV, Hartemink AJ, Jarvis ED. Convergent transcriptional specializations in the brains of humans and song-learning birds. Science 2014; 346:1256846. [PMID: 25504733 DOI: 10.1126/science.1256846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 282] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Song-learning birds and humans share independently evolved similarities in brain pathways for vocal learning that are essential for song and speech and are not found in most other species. Comparisons of brain transcriptomes of song-learning birds and humans relative to vocal nonlearners identified convergent gene expression specializations in specific song and speech brain regions of avian vocal learners and humans. The strongest shared profiles relate bird motor and striatal song-learning nuclei, respectively, with human laryngeal motor cortex and parts of the striatum that control speech production and learning. Most of the associated genes function in motor control and brain connectivity. Thus, convergent behavior and neural connectivity for a complex trait are associated with convergent specialized expression of multiple genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas R Pfenning
- Department of Neurobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, and Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
| | - Erina Hara
- Department of Neurobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, and Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Osceola Whitney
- Department of Neurobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, and Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Miriam V Rivas
- Department of Neurobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, and Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Rui Wang
- Department of Neurobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, and Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Petra L Roulhac
- Department of Neurobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, and Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Jason T Howard
- Department of Neurobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, and Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Morgan Wirthlin
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Peter V Lovell
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Ganeshkumar Ganapathy
- Department of Neurobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, and Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Jacquelyn Mouncastle
- Department of Neurobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, and Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - M Arthur Moseley
- Duke Proteomics and Metabolomics Core Facility, Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - J Will Thompson
- Duke Proteomics and Metabolomics Core Facility, Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Erik J Soderblom
- Duke Proteomics and Metabolomics Core Facility, Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Atsushi Iriki
- Laboratory for Symbolic Cognitive Development, Brain Science Institute, RIKEN, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Masaki Kato
- Laboratory for Symbolic Cognitive Development, Brain Science Institute, RIKEN, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - M Thomas P Gilbert
- Centre for GeoGenetics, Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, 1350 Copenhagen, Denmark. Trace and Environmental DNA Laboratory, Department of Environment and Agriculture, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia 6102, Australia
| | - Guojie Zhang
- China National GeneBank, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518083, China. Centre for Social Evolution, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Trygve Bakken
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA 98103, USA
| | | | - Amy Bernard
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA 98103, USA
| | - Ed Lein
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA 98103, USA
| | - Claudio V Mello
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | | | - Erich D Jarvis
- Department of Neurobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, and Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
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6
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Behavioral and neural trade-offs between song complexity and stress reaction in a wild and a domesticated finch strain. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2014; 46 Pt 4:547-56. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2014.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2013] [Revised: 06/23/2014] [Accepted: 07/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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7
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Suzuki K, Ikebuchi M, Okanoya K. The impact of domestication on fearfulness: A comparison of tonic immobility reactions in wild and domesticated finches. Behav Processes 2013; 100:58-63. [DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2013.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2013] [Revised: 08/03/2013] [Accepted: 08/05/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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8
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Scharff C, Adam I. Neurogenetics of birdsong. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2012; 23:29-36. [PMID: 23102970 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2012.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2012] [Revised: 10/02/2012] [Accepted: 10/08/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Songbirds are a productive model organism to study the neural basis of auditory-guided vocal motor learning. Like human babies, juvenile songbirds learn many of their vocalizations by imitating an adult conspecific. This process is a product of genetic predispositions and the individual's life experience and has been investigated mainly by neuroanatomical, physiological and behavioral methods. Results have revealed general principles governing vertebrate motor behavior, sensitive periods, sexual dimorphism, social behavior regulation and adult neurogenesis. More recently, the emerging field of birdsong neurogenetics has advanced the way we think about genetic contributions to communication, mechanistically and conceptually.
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Affiliation(s)
- Constance Scharff
- Freie Universität Berlin, Institute of Biology, Takustraße 6, 14195 Berlin, Germany.
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9
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Suzuki K, Yamada H, Kobayashi T, Okanoya K. Decreased Fecal Corticosterone Levels Due to Domestication: A Comparison Between the White-Backed Munia (Lonchura striata) and Its Domesticated Strain, the Bengalese Finch (Lonchura striatavar.domestica) With a Suggestion for Complex Song Evolution. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 317:561-70. [DOI: 10.1002/jez.1748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2012] [Revised: 06/21/2012] [Accepted: 07/01/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Tetsuya Kobayashi
- Division of Life Science; Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University; Sakura-ku; Saitama; Japan
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