Testosterone-induced changes of call structure, midbrain and syrinx anatomy in partridges.
Testosterone (T) treated Grey partridges (Perdix perdix) of both sexes uttered significantly longer and lower-pitched calls than controls; both these acoustic features play a critical role in mate choice. A morphometrical analysis of the midbrain nucleus intercollicularis showed a cell size increase in T-treated birds regardless of their sex. Histological study of the syrinx did not reveal any sexually dimorphic structure in experimental and control birds; the major T-induced change was a thickening of the external membranes, reported to be the main sound source in Galliforms. In conclusion, T appears able to modify not only some acoustic parameters, but also certain anatomical structures at the peripheral and central levels of the vocal system in a nonoscine species.
Beani
L
L
Department of Animal Biology, University of Turin, Italy.
Panzica
G
G
Briganti
F
F
Persichella
P
P
Dessì-Fulgheri
F
F
D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000187:drug effects*; D048429:Cell Size / Q000187:drug effects; D002642:Chick Embryo; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D008636:Mesencephalon / Q000187:drug effects*; D013739:Testosterone / Q000494:pharmacology*; D014132:Trachea / Q000187:drug effects; D014828:Vocalization, Animal / Q000187:drug effects*
D013739:Testosterone