Maximized song learning of juvenile male zebra finches following BDNF expression in the HVC.
During song learning, vocal patterns are matched to an auditory memory acquired from a tutor, a process involving sensorimotor feedback. Song sensorimotor learning and song production of birds is controlled by a set of interconnected brain nuclei, the song control system. In male zebra finches, the beginning of the sensorimotor phase of song learning parallels an increase of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in just one part of the song control system, the forebrain nucleus HVC. We report here that transient BDNF-mRNA upregulation in the HVC results in a maximized copying of song syllables. Each treated bird shows motor learning to an extent similar to that of the selected best learners among untreated zebra finches. Because this result was not found following BDNF overexpression in the target areas of HVC within the song system, HVC-anchored mechanisms are limiting sensorimotor vocal learning.
Department of Behavioural Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, 82319, Seewiesen, Germany; Department of Developmental and Behavioral Neurobiology, VU University Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Falk
F
Dittrich
Andries
A
Ter Maat
Rene F
RF
Jansen
Anton
A
Pieneman
Moritz
M
Hertel
Carolina
C
Frankl-Vilches
Manfred
M
Gahr
D000818:Animals; D019208:Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D046369:Finches; D007858:Learning; D008297:Male; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D013003:Somatosensory Cortex / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D015854:Up-Regulation; D014828:Vocalization, Animal
D019208:Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor; D012333:RNA, Messenger
social environment; song control system; songbirds