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Related Experiment Videos

Synaptic basis for developmental plasticity in a birdsong nucleus.

R Mooney1

  • 1Division of Biology, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena 91125.

The Journal of Neuroscience : the Official Journal of the Society for Neuroscience
|July 1, 1992
PubMed
Summary

Birdsong development involves distinct synaptic connections forming in the brain. The lateral portion of the magnocellular nucleus of the anterior neostriatum (L-MAN) and caudal nucleus of the ventral hyperstriatum (HVc) establish unique connections with the robust nucleus of the archistriatum (RA) during development.

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Developmental Biology
  • Animal Behavior

Background:

  • Birdsong production relies on specialized brain circuits, including the robust nucleus of the archistriatum (RA), caudal nucleus of the ventral hyperstriatum (HVc), and lateral portion of the magnocellular nucleus of the anterior neostriatum (L-MAN).
  • Understanding the developmental trajectory of synaptic connections within these circuits is crucial for elucidating the mechanisms of song learning and production.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To electrophysiologically characterize the synaptic properties of L-MAN and HVc afferents within the RA.
  • To investigate how these synaptic connections evolve during the critical period of song development in zebra finches.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized an in vitro brain slice preparation from male and female zebra finches at different developmental stages (<25 days and >35 days old).

Related Experiment Videos

  • Electrically stimulated L-MAN and HVc fiber tracts to evoke excitatory synaptic potentials (EPSPs) in RA neurons.
  • Pharmacologically distinguished synaptic inputs using NMDA receptor antagonist D-APV and non-NMDA glutamate receptor antagonist CNQX.

    • Main Results:

    • In young finches (<25 days), L-MAN stimulation evoked NMDA receptor-dependent EPSPs in most RA neurons.
    • In adult finches (>35 days), both L-MAN and HVc stimulation evoked EPSPs in RA neurons.
    • HVc-evoked EPSPs in adult finches were primarily mediated by non-NMDA glutamate receptors, indicating distinct synaptic pharmacology from L-MAN inputs.

    Conclusions:

    • L-MAN and HVc axons form pharmacologically distinct synapses onto the same RA neurons.
    • The formation and maturation of these distinct L-MAN and HVc synaptic inputs to RA occur at different developmental stages.
    • This developmental divergence in synaptic formation contributes to the establishment of mature song control circuitry.