Neurochemical evidence for at least two regional subdivisions within the homing pigeon (Columba livia) caudolateral neostriatum.
The distributions of one neurotransmitter, two neurotransmitter-related substances, and five neuropeptides were examined within the homing pigeon caudolateral neostriatum (NCL). All eight neuroactive substances were found within a tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-dense region that defines the NCL. Overall regional variation in the relative density of these substances suggested at least two neurochemically distinct portions of NCL. Dorsal NCL contained relatively dense staining for TH, choline acetyltransferase, and substance P, whereas vasoactive intestinal polypeptide was more abundant in ventral portions of NCL. Serotonin and cholecystokinin were found to be densest in intermediate portions of NCL. Somatostatin and leucine-enkephalin were homogeneously distributed throughout NCL. The results suggest that NCL may consist of multiple subdivisions. Investigations into the behavioral importance of these regions are necessary to clarify the role of this brain region in avian behavior.
Riters
L V
LV
Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, Ohio 43403, USA. lriters@ren.psy.jhu.edu
Erichsen
J T
JT
Krebs
J R
JR
Bingman
V P
VP
D000818:Animals; D001931:Brain Mapping / Q000379:methods*; D002795:Choline O-Acetyltransferase / Q000032:analysis; D010856:Columbidae / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D004298:Dopamine / Q000032:analysis; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D017072:Neostriatum / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology*; D009479:Neuropeptides / Q000032:analysis*; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000032:analysis*; D014446:Tyrosine 3-Monooxygenase / Q000032:analysis
D009479:Neuropeptides; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents; D014446:Tyrosine 3-Monooxygenase; D002795:Choline O-Acetyltransferase; D004298:Dopamine