Abstract
The caudomedial nidopallium (NCM) is a telencephalic area involved in auditory processing and memorization in songbirds, but the synaptic mechanisms associated with auditory processing in NCM are largely unknown. To identify potential changes in synaptic transmission induced by auditory stimulation in NCM, we used a slice preparation for path-clamp recordings of synaptic currents in the NCM of adult zebra finches (Taenopygia guttata) sacrificed after sound isolation followed by exposure to conspecific song or silence. Although post-synaptic GABAergic and glutamatergic currents in the NCM of control and song-exposed birds did not present any differences regarding their frequency, amplitude and duration after song exposure, we observed a higher probability of generation of bursting glutamatergic currents after blockade of GABAergic transmission in song-exposed birds as compared to controls. Both song-exposed males and females presented an increase in the probability of the expression of bursting glutamatergic currents, however bursting was more commonly seen in males where they appeared even without blocking GABAergic transmission. Our data show that song exposure changes the excitability of the glutamatergic neuronal network, increasing the probability of the generation of bursts of glutamatergic currents, but does not affect basic parameters of glutamatergic and GABAergic synaptic currents.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 705-716 |
Number of pages | 12 |
Journal | Journal of Comparative Physiology A: Neuroethology, Sensory, Neural, and Behavioral Physiology |
Volume | 198 |
Issue number | 9 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Sep 2012 |
Keywords
- Auditory processing
- Neurotransmission
- Nidopallium
- Songbird
- Zebra finch
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics
- Physiology
- Animal Science and Zoology
- Behavioral Neuroscience