Brain gene regulation by territorial singing behavior in freely ranging songbirds.
Neuroreport
; 8(8): 2073-7, 1997 May 27.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-9223104
ABSTRACT
To investigate the ecological relevance of brain gene regulation associated with singing behavior in songbirds, we challenged freely ranging song sparrows with conspecific song playbacks within their breeding territories. Males responded by approaching the speaker, searching for an intruder and actively singing. In situ hybridization of brain sections revealed significantly higher expression of the transcriptional regulator ZENK in challenged birds than in unstimulated controls in several auditory structures and song control nuclei. We conclude that singing behavior in the context of territorial defense is associated with gene regulation in brain centers that control song perception and production, and that behaviorally regulated gene expression can be used to investigate brain areas involved in the natural behaviors of freely ranging animals.
Texto completo:
1
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Territorialidade
/
Vocalização Animal
/
Aves
/
Regulação da Expressão Gênica
Limite:
Animals
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Neuroreport
Assunto da revista:
NEUROLOGIA
Ano de publicação:
1997
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Estados Unidos