Neuroscience 2001 Abstract
| Presentation Number: | 646.10 |
|---|---|
| Abstract Title: | NEW SEX DIFFERENCES IN THE OSCINE SONG CONTROL SYSTEM IDENTIFIED BY IN VIVO MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING. |
| Authors: |
Van Meir, V.*1
; Van der Linden, A.1
; Verhoye, M.1
; Tindemans, I.1
; Eens, M.2
; Absil, P.2,3
; Balthazart, J.3
1Bio-Imaging Lab., Univ. Antwerp (RUCA), Antwerp, Belgium 2Dept. Biology, Univ. Antwerp (UIA), Antwerp, Belgium 3Ctr. Cell. Molec. Neurobiol., Univ. Liege, Liege, Belgium |
| Primary Theme and Topics |
Cognition and Behavior - Neuroethology |
| Secondary Theme and Topics | Cognition and Behavior<br />- Reproductive Behavior |
| Session: |
646. Neuroethology: seasonal, social, steroids and sex Poster |
| Presentation Time: | Tuesday, November 13, 2001 2:00 PM-3:00 PM |
| Location: | Exhibit Hall UU-37 |
| Keywords: | Song system, Manganese tract-tracing, High vocal center, MRI |
Injection of manganese, a calcium analogue and paramagnetic tract-tracing agent, into the high vocal center (HVc) of starlings labeled within a few hours the nucleus robustus archistriatalis (RA) and area X as observed by in vivo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Structures highlighted by manganese accumulation assumed the expected tri-dimensional shape of RA and area X as identified by classical histological or neurochemical methods. The volume of these nuclei could be accurately calculated by segmentation of the areas highlighted by manganese. Besides confirming previously established volumetric sex differences, manganese uptake into these nuclei revealed new functional sex differences affecting manganese transport. A faster transport was observed in males than in females and different relative amounts of Mn2+ were transported to RA and area X in males as compared to females. In males, similar amounts of Mn2+ were transported from HVc to these two nuclei despite their different size but in females, twice more Mn2+ was incorporated in RA than in area X at saturation. This new in vivo approach, allowing repeated measures, opens new vistas to study the remarkable seasonal plasticity in size and activity of song control nuclei and correlate neuronal activity with behavior. It also provides new insights on in vivo axonal transport and neuronal activity in song control nuclei of oscines.
Supported by FWO G.0075.98N, BOF-NOI (RUCA), NS 35467, FRFC2.4555.01
Sample Citation:
[Authors]. [Abstract Title]. Program No. XXX.XX. 2001 Neuroscience Meeting Planner. San Diego, CA: Society for Neuroscience, 2001. Online.
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