Abstract

This research program aims to examine the neuroanatomical foundations of vocal learning in budgerigars as a model for studying the neural basis of interactions between innate, constitutional factors and experiential learning during postnatal development. Previous results have shown that vocal learning spends upon both innate factors and experiential learning in this species since the acquisition of a normal vocal repertoire requires exposure to an appropriate external model during postnatal development. Neuroanatomical experiments are proposed to further study the pathways by which sensory feedback can influence vocal motor centers as well as the pathways by which vocal motor centers can cue the sensory systems. Behavioral experiments using multidimensional scaling and assessment of vocal plasticity will pinpoint the role of these anatomical pathways in guiding and shaping learned vocal responses by evaluating the effects of lesions in these pathways at different points during postnatal development.

  Funding Agency

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Type
Method to Extend Research in Time (MERIT) Award (R37)
Project #
5R37MH040698-09
Application #
3486762
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (NSS)
Project Start
1985-07-01
Project End
1996-06-30
Budget Start
1993-07-01
Budget End
1994-06-30
Support Year
9
Fiscal Year
1993
Total Cost
Indirect Cost

  Institution

Name
University of Maryland College Park
Department
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
City
College Park
State
MD
Country
United States
Zip Code
20742

  Publications

Brauth, Steven E; Liang, Wenru; Amateau, Stuart K et al. (2005) Sexual dimorphism of vocal control nuclei in budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus) revealed with Nissl and NADPH-d staining. J Comp Neurol 484:15-27
Roberts, T F; Cookson, K K; Heaton, K J et al. (2001) Distribution of tyrosine hydroxylase-containing neurons and fibers in the brain of the budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus): general patterns and labeling in vocal control nuclei. J Comp Neurol 429:436-54
Durand, S E; Brauth, S E; Liang, W (2001) Calcitonin gene-related peptide immunoreactive cells and fibers in forebrain vocal and auditory nuclei of the budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus). Brain Behav Evol 58:61-79
Heaton, J T; Brauth, S E (2000) Telencephalic nuclei control late but not early nestling calls in the budgerigar. Behav Brain Res 109:129-35
Heaton, J T; Brauth, S E (2000) Effects of lesions of the central nucleus of the anterior archistriatum on contact call and warble song production in the budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus). Neurobiol Learn Mem 73:207-42
Heaton, J T; Brauth, S E (1999) Effects of deafening on the development of nestling and juvenile vocalizations in budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus). J Comp Psychol 113:314-20
Hall, W S; Cookson, K K; Heaton, J T et al. (1999) Cytoarchitecture of vocal control nuclei in nestling budgerigars: relationships to call development. Brain Behav Evol 53:198-226
Durand, S E; Liang, W; Brauth, S E (1998) Methionine enkephalin immunoreactivity in the brain of the budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus): similarities and differences with respect to oscine songbirds. J Comp Neurol 393:145-68
Durand, S E; Heaton, J T; Amateau, S K et al. (1997) Vocal control pathways through the anterior forebrain of a parrot (Melopsittacus undulatus). J Comp Neurol 377:179-206
Brauth, S E; Heaton, J T; Shea, S D et al. (1997) Functional anatomy of forebrain vocal control pathways in the budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus). Ann N Y Acad Sci 807:368-85

Showing the most recent 10 out of 18 publications