Neuroscience 2002 Abstract
| Presentation Number: | 382.12 |
|---|---|
| Abstract Title: | Longitudinal ME-MRI studies of song control nuclei in T-treated female starlings. |
| Authors: |
Van Meir, V.*1
; Verhoye, M.1
; Absil, P.2
; Eens, M.2
; Balthazart, J.3
; Van der Linden, A.1
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 -- Comparative Anatomy and Brain Evolution |
| Secondary Theme and Topics | Cognition and Behavior<br />- Animal Cognition and Behavior<br />-- Learning & memory: Physiology and imaging |
| Session: |
382. Neuroethology III Poster |
| Presentation Time: | Monday, November 4, 2002 4:00 PM-5:00 PM |
| Location: | Hall A2-B3 Q-2 |
| Keywords: | SONGBIRD, PLASTICITY, BRAIN IMAGING, AXONAL TRANSPORT |
In the songbird brain, HVc and its two monosynaptic targets RA and area X are useful models to study brain plasticity. Thus far the volume of these nuclei was determined by histological procedures that obviously make repeated measures impossible. We recently showed that in vivo injection of Mn2+-ions into HVc allows visualizing and accurately delineating RA and area X by Manganese Enhanced-MRI. The present study analyzed the effect of testosterone (T) on the volume of RA and area X and axonal transport dynamics of Mn2+ in female starlings that were implanted with a cannula in the right HVc. Repeated visualization of RA and area X detected a marked volume increase in T-treated birds. The dynamics of axonal transport was altered after T-treatment in the area X, but not in RA. Subsequent analysis of the Mn2+-accumulation based on individual pixels of the MRI images showed an inside-out uptake in RA of both T-treated and controls birds. Mn2+-accumulation was observed in both the medial and lateral parts of area X in the T-group, whereas it was focalized in the lateral area X of control birds. These data confirm for the first time by sequential measures in the same subject the pronounced effects of T on the volume of two song control nuclei. They also demonstrate that the dynamics of Mn2+ transport from HVc to area X is significantly affected by T which presumably reflects changes in the electrical activity of HVc. Pixel by pixel analysis also suggests the existence of a functional topographical organization of these projections.
Supported by NS35467, FWO G.0075.98N , IWT
Sample Citation:
[Authors]. [Abstract Title]. Program No. XXX.XX. 2002 Neuroscience Meeting Planner. Orlando, FL: Society for Neuroscience, 2002. Online.
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