The importance of neural aromatization in the acquisition, recall, and integration of song and spatial memories in passerines

Bailey, David J.; Saldanha, Colin J.

doi:10.1016/j.yhbeh.2015.06.007

Cited by 28 publications

(15 citation statements)

References 155 publications

(194 reference statements)

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“…One area in particular has been understanding how estrogen signaling may enhance or otherwise alter cognition on momentary timescales. While there are a host of hormones that modulate learning and memory [4,5], the potent endogenous estrogen 17β-estradiol (E2) has a clear influence on cognition and neural plasticity [6-8]. As such, this review will concentrate on the role of locally-synthesized brain E2 in learning and memory.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Aromatase expression is conserved across several functionally homologous neural structures in vertebrates [13]. Figure 1 presents for the first time a cross-species comparison of aromatase expression in three brain regions that facilitate distinct types of memory: 1) fear memory consolidation and social recognition ( amygdala [14]); 2) spatial navigation and novel object recognition ( hippocampus [8,15]); and 3) vocal communication learning, and language acquisition ( auditory cortex/forebrain [8]). Neuronal aromatase is enriched in these canonical ‘memory’ regions in mammals and their functionally similar regions in nonmammalian species; we present representatives showing this in human ( Homo sapiens ) and nonhuman primates ( Maca mulatta ), rodents ( Mus musculus ), birds ( Taeniopygia guttata ), reptiles ( Aspidoscelis uniparens ), and fish ( Porichthys notatus ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Local E2 production is implicated in learning and memory across a broad range of species, including humans, non-human primates, songbirds, rodents, and nematodes [6,8,9,45]. Research has primarily focused on hippocampal-dependent memory and E2, and mounting evidence indicates that exogenous E2 enhances hippocampal-dependent memory consolidation (which may reflect endogenous fluctuations during and after learning).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Specifically, E2 levels are elevated within 60 mins subsequent to spatial navigation and vocal communication training [51,55]. This timeframe parallels the critical window for pharmacological effects on enhancing or impairing memory consolidation by administering E2 or inhibiting aromatase, respectively [8,10,45]. One functional consequence of post-learning elevations in brain E2 may be the rapid enhancement of synaptogenesis in critical cognitive structures such the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex [56].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Brain estrogen production and the encoding of recent experience

Vahaba

Remage‐Healey

2015

Current Opinion in Behavioral Sciences

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The vertebrate central nervous system integrates cognition and behavior, and it also acts as both a source and target for steroid hormones like estrogens. Recent exploration of brain estrogen production in the context of learning and memory has revealed several common themes. First, across vertebrates, the enzyme that synthesizes estrogens is expressed in brain regions that are characterized by elevated neural plasticity and is also integral to the acquisition, consolidation, and retrieval of recent experiences. Second, measurement and manipulation of estrogens reveal that the period following recent sensory experience is linked to estrogenic signaling in brain circuits underlying both spatial and vocal learning. Local brain estrogen production within cognitive circuits may therefore be important for the acquisition and/or consolidation of memories, and new directions testing these ideas will be discussed.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Brain estrogen production and the encoding of recent experience

Vahaba

Remage‐Healey

2015

Current Opinion in Behavioral Sciences

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“…There are sex differences in gene expression in NCM of Zebra Finches. Females show higher levels of calbindin expression, and males have more fibers in NCM that label for the estrogen synthesizing enzyme aromatase [50]. …”

Section: Figurementioning

confidence: 99%

It takes a seasoned bird to be a good listener: communication between the sexes

Brenowitz

Remage‐Healey

2016

Current Opinion in Neurobiology

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Birds commonly use sound for communication between the sexes. In many songbird species, only males sing and there are pronounced sex differences in the neural song control circuits. By contrast, the auditory circuitry is largely similar in males and females. Both sexes learn to recognize vocalizations heard as juveniles and this shapes auditory response selectivity. Mating vocalizations are restricted to the breeding season, when sex steroid levels are elevated. Auditory cells, from the ear to the cortex, are hormone sensitive. Estrogens are synthesized in the brain and can modulate the activity of auditory neurons. In species that breed seasonally, elevated levels of estradiol in females transiently enhance their auditory responses to conspecific vocalizations, resulting in sex differences in audition.

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