Broderick M B Parks, Kyle McVea, Leslie S Phillmore
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
In temperate-zone songbirds, the neuroanatomical changes which occur in advance of breeding, including the growth of nuclei of the vocal control system, are believed to occur downstream of gonadal recrudescence. However, evidence from wild birds is mixed. Here, we captured black-capped chickadees from the wild in early spring (March-April), summer (August-September), and winter (December-January); in addition to measuring the volumes of two vocal control nuclei (Area X and HVC), we also quantified two indicators of reproductive state (gonads and circulating gonadal steroids). Most birds captured in early spring had regressed gonads and low levels of circulating gonadal steroids, indicating these birds were not yet in full breeding condition. However, these early spring birds still had a significantly larger Area X than winter birds, while HVC did not differ in size across groups. Using data from a previously published seasonal study of black-capped chickadees (Phillmore et al., Developmental Neurobiology, 2015;75:203-216), we then compared Area X and HVC volumes from our early spring group to a breeding group of chickadees captured 3-4 weeks later in the spring. While Area X volume did not differ between the studies, breeding males in Phillmore et al. (2015) had a significantly larger HVC. Taken together, this suggests that the vernal growth of Area X occurs ahead of HVC in black-capped chickadees, and that the overall vernal changes in the vocal control system occur at least partially in advance of the breeding-associated upregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis.
期刊介绍:
Journal of Neuroendocrinology provides the principal international focus for the newest ideas in classical neuroendocrinology and its expanding interface with the regulation of behavioural, cognitive, developmental, degenerative and metabolic processes. Through the rapid publication of original manuscripts and provocative review articles, it provides essential reading for basic scientists and clinicians researching in this rapidly expanding field.
In determining content, the primary considerations are excellence, relevance and novelty. While Journal of Neuroendocrinology reflects the broad scientific and clinical interests of the BSN membership, the editorial team, led by Professor Julian Mercer, ensures that the journal’s ethos, authorship, content and purpose are those expected of a leading international publication.