Neuron addition and loss in the song system: regulation and function

Wilbrecht, L., Kirn, J. R. (June 2004) Neuron addition and loss in the song system: regulation and function. Documentation. NY Academy of Sciences.

DOI: 10.1196/annals.1298.024

Abstract

Neurons continue to be produced and replaced throughout life in songbirds. Proliferation in the walls of the lateral ventricles gives rise to neurons that migrate long distances to populate many diverse telencephalic regions, including nuclei dedicated to the perception and production of song, a learned behavior. Many projection neurons are incorporated into the efferent motor pathway for song control. Replacement of these neurons is regulated, in part, by neuron death. Underlying mechanisms include gonadal steroids and BDNF, but are likely to involve other trophic factors as well. The functional significance of neuronal replacement remains unclear. However, recent experiments suggest a link between cell turnover and one or more specific attributes of song learning and production. Several hypotheses are critically examined, including the possibility that neuronal replacement provides motor flexibility to allow for error correction-a capacity needed for juvenile and adult song learning, but also likely to be important for the maintenance of song stereotypy. We highlight important gaps in our knowledge and discuss future directions that may bring us closer to solving the riddle of why neurons are produced and replaced in adulthood.

Item Type: Monograph (Documentation)
Uncontrolled Keywords: Animals Brain cytology physiology Brain Mapping Cell Death Nerve Regeneration Neurons cytology physiology Songbirds physiology
Subjects: organism description > animal behavior
organs, tissues, organelles, cell types and functions > cell types and functions > cell types > neurons
organs, tissues, organelles, cell types and functions > cell types and functions > cell types > neurons
organs, tissues, organelles, cell types and functions > cell types and functions > cell types > neurons
organism description > animal behavior > song
CSHL Authors:
Depositing User: CSHL Librarian
Date: June 2004
Date Deposited: 17 Jan 2012 19:05
Last Modified: 17 Jan 2012 19:05
URI: https://repository.cshl.edu/id/eprint/22517

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