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Trigeminal deafferentation and conditioned pecking in pigeons
1Biopsychology Program, Hunter College (CUNY), New York City, New York 10021, USA. hzeigler@shiva.hunter.cuny.edu
Behavioural Brain Research
|October 8, 1999
Summary
Peripheral trigeminal input is crucial for precise mandibulation during pigeon pecking. However, it does not affect peck localization accuracy, suggesting distinct neural control mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Animal Behavior
- Sensory-motor Control
Background:
- Peripheral sensory input, particularly trigeminal nerve somatosensation, plays a vital role in motor control.
- Understanding the specific contributions of trigeminal feedback to complex behaviors like pecking is essential for elucidating sensory-motor integration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of peripheral trigeminal input in controlling head and jaw movement kinematics during pecking behavior in pigeons.
- To assess the impact of trigeminal deafferentation on peck localization accuracy.
Main Methods:
- Surgical section of trigeminal nerves in pigeons to eliminate somatosensory input to the beak.
- Conditioning procedures to associate pecking with a visual target.
- On-line monitoring of head and jaw movements using transducers.
- Recording of peck location using touch-screen technology.
Main Results:
- Trigeminal deafferentation resulted in impaired mandibulation during ingestive pecking.
- Coordination of head and jaw movements during conditioned pecking was disrupted.
- Peck localization precision remained unaffected by trigeminal deafferentation, contrary to previous findings.
Conclusions:
- Disruptions in trigeminal feedback and feedforward mechanisms underlie the observed deficits in mandibulation and movement coordination.
- Peripheral trigeminal input is not essential for precise peck localization in pigeons.
- These findings highlight the complex interplay between sensory feedback and motor control in prehensile behaviors.