Hormonal specificity and activation of sexual behavior in male zebra finches

Harding, Cheryl F.; Sheridan, Kevin; Walters, Michael J.

doi:10.1016/0018-506x(83)90021-1

Cited by 195 publications

(109 citation statements)

References 28 publications

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“…It is possible that synaptic aromatase may contribute to these processes in the zebra finch. Indeed, provision of E or its precursor testosterone has potent effects on singing behavior in several songbird species (Harding et al, 1983;Walters and Harding, 1988;Oberlander et al, 2004). Further work is needed to ascertain the specific role of synaptic E-provision in these behaviors.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Subcellular compartmentalization of aromatase is sexually dimorphic in the adult zebra finch brain

Rohmann

Schlinger

Saldanha

2006

Developmental Neurobiology

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ABSTRACT:The vertebrate brain is a source of estrogen (E) via the expression of aromatase (E-synthase). In the zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata), despite documented dimorphisms in E-action, no differences are detectable in circulating E, or the neural levels of aromatase transcription, activity, or somal protein expression. Studies of aromatase expression at the lightand electron-microscope levels reveal greater numbers of fibers and presynaptic boutons in adult males relative to females. We assayed aromatase activity and content in synaptosomes and microsomes from the anterior [containing lMAN and Area X (males)] and posterior telencephalon (containing HVC and RA) of adult birds. In contrast to non-song birds and mammals, both cell fractions contain abundant aromatase measurable in terms of activity (enzyme assays) and content (Western blots) with minimal enrichment in microsomes. From brain homogenates of identical concentration, aromatase activity was higher in the synaptosomal relative to the microsomal fraction, in males relative to females, and in the posterior compared to anterior telencephalon. These effects were driven by high levels of synaptosomal aromatase in the male posterior telencephalon. These data suggest that males possess more aromatase per presynaptic bouton, or a greater number of aromatase-containing presynaptic boutons than females in the posterior telencephalon. Further, the present report reveals synaptic aromatization as a considerable source of E in the zebra finch brain, and supports the idea that telencephalic synapses in and around the adult male song production nuclei may be exposed to higher levels of E compared to the female brain. ' 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Neurobiol 67: 1-9, 2007

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Subcellular compartmentalization of aromatase is sexually dimorphic in the adult zebra finch brain

Rohmann

Schlinger

Saldanha

2006

Developmental Neurobiology

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“…At the beginning of the experiment, males were anesthetized with Metofane (Pitman-Moore, Mundelien, IL) and implanted subcutaneously between the wings with silastic implants of androstenedione (5mm of packed hormone in silastic tubing 0.76mm ID, 1.65mm OD [Fisher Scientific, Somerville, NJ] sealed with silastic adhesive [Factor II, Lakeside Arizona] See [22] for further details). This size implant maintains androgen levels in the range normally seen in breeding male finches [32].…”

Section: Drug and Hormone Implantationmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…This size implant maintains androgen levels in the range normally seen in breeding male finches [32]. Androstenedione was used because it activates the highest levels of courtship singing of any androgen tested in castrated male finches [22]. Following the first behavioral test, males were anesthetized with Metofane and implanted subcutaneously between the wings with 100 μl osmotic minipumps (Model 1002, Alza, Palo Alto, CA) providing the mixed D 1 /D 2 DA receptor antagonist cis-flupenthixol (0, 0.5 or 5 μg/g/day).…”

Section: Drug and Hormone Implantationmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Dopaminergic modulation of reproductive behavior and activity in male zebra finches

Rauceo

Harding

Maldonado

et al. 2008

Behavioural Brain Research

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We previously demonstrated that hormone treatments which stimulate female-directed singing increased levels and turnover of dopamine (DA) in brain areas controlling the motor patterning of song. To help determine how DA affects singing, we quantified the effects of treating adult male finches with the D 1 /D 2 receptor antagonist cis-flupenthixol. Adult males were given subcutaneous silastic implants of androgen, in case drug treatment interfered with androgen secretion. One week later, they were tested with females. Males were divided into three groups matched for levels of courtship singing. Males were then subcutaneously implanted with osmotic minipumps containing either saline, a low, or a high dose of cis-flupenthixol. Each male was tested with a different female 5 and 10 days after implantation to determine how this D 1 /D 2 receptor antagonist affected behavior. Both drug doses affected female-directed singing 5 days after initiation of treatment. High-dose males sang to females significantly less often than males in the other two groups. Low-dose males showed fewer high-intensity courtship displays in which males dance towards females as they sing. These effects on courtship singing were not seen at day 10, though other behavioral effects were seen at this time. Male beak wipes, rocks, following females and female withdrawals from males were also affected by drug treatment. General activity in the home cage was decreased by day 11. These data demonstrate that singing and several other female-directed behaviors are sensitive to perturbations in DA receptor function.

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“…Unlike many other songbirds, female zebra finches under normal conditions never produce vocalizations resembling masculine song (all reviewed in Arnold, 1992). Following male song and a suite of associated masculine courtship behaviors, including dancing back and forth on a perch, the sequence of reproductive behaviors proceeds to copulation, which is also highly sexually dimorphic (Arnold, 1975a;Clayton and Pröve, 1989;Harding et al, 1983). In very rapid succession, males mount females, often grabbing feathers on the back of their necks.…”

Section: Sex Differences In Zebra Finchesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Zebra finch sexual differentiation: The aromatization hypothesis revisited

Wade

2001

Microscopy Res & Technique

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Zebra finches have emerged as an outstanding model system for the investigation of the mechanisms regulating brain and behavior. Their song system has proven especially useful, as the function of discrete anatomical regions have been identified, and striking parallels exist between the morphology of these regions and the level of their function in males and females. That is, the structures are substantially more developed in males, who sing, compared to females, who do not. These parallels extend from higher (telencephalic) centers to the brainstem motor nucleus that innervates the muscles of the vocal organ. Other dimorphic aspects of reproduction in the zebra finch, such as copulatory behaviors and sexual partner preference, however, are not associated with known sex differences in anatomy. In many species, sex differences in neural and peripheral structures and behavior are regulated by secretions from the gonads, which of course are sexually dimorphic themselves. In birds, sex differences at all of these levels (gonad, brain, and behavior) can be mediated by steroid hormones. However, it is not entirely clear that gonadal secretions normally participate at all of the levels. This paper reviews the evidence relating to the role of gonadal steroids in the sexual differentiation of reproductive behaviors and the central and peripheral structures known to regulate them in zebra finches, with a focus on estradiol, which has been most extensively studied in the masculinization of song system morphology and function.

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Hormonal specificity and activation of sexual behavior in male zebra finches

Cited by 195 publications

References 28 publications

Subcellular compartmentalization of aromatase is sexually dimorphic in the adult zebra finch brain

Subcellular compartmentalization of aromatase is sexually dimorphic in the adult zebra finch brain

Dopaminergic modulation of reproductive behavior and activity in male zebra finches

Zebra finch sexual differentiation: The aromatization hypothesis revisited

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