Abstract #2690
In-vivo online monitoring of testosterone-induced neuroplasticity in a seasonal songbird
Geert De Groof
1
, Sofie Van Massenhoven
1
,
Elisabeth Jonckers
1
, and Annemie Van der
Linden
1
1
Bio-Imaging Lab, University of Antwerp,
Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
Steroid hormones have a profound effect on brain
plasticity and seasonal songbirds are on of the most
extreme examples of this neuroplasticity (linked to song
behaviour). The causality of the change in singing
behaviour and neuroplasticity remains unknown. Using
longitudinal DTI we measured the connectivity of the
starling brain repeatedly after testosterone
implantation. The connection between the main song
control nuclei changed significantly after about 14 days
of treatment, while plasma testosterone levels were
already significantly higher at 2 days of treatment
coinciding with an increase of song output. Our results
thus indicate that this neuroplasticity is activity
(singing) induced.
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