Neuronal control of behavioral plasticity: the prepacemaker nucleus of weakly electric gymnotiform fish |
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Authors: | G K H Zupanc L Maler |
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Institution: | (1) Abteilung Physikalische Biologie, Max-Planck-Institut für Entwicklungsbiologie, Postfach 21 09, D-72011 Tübingen, Germany, Tel.: +49-70/71-601-338 and -339, Fax: +49-70/71-36 94 98, e-mail: zupanc@mpib-tuebingen.mpg.de, DE;(2) Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego, USA, US;(3) Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, Canada K1H 8M5, CA |
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Abstract: | Gymnotiform fish of the genera Apteronotus and Eigenmannia provide an excellent vertebrate model system to study neural mechanisms controlling behavioral plasticity. These teleosts
generate, by means of an electric organ, quasi-sinusoidal discharges of extremely stable frequency and waveform. Modulations
consisting of transient rises in discharge frequency are produced during social encounters, and play an important role in
communication. These so-called “chirps” exhibit a remarkable sexual dimorphism, as well as an enormous seasonal and individual
variability. Chirping behavior is controlled by a subset of neurons in the complex of the central posterior/prepacemaker nucleus
in the diencephalon. It is hypothesized that the plasticity in the performance of chirping behavior is, at least in part,
governed by two mechanisms: first, by seasonally induced structural changes in dendritic morphology of neurons of the prepacemaker
nucleus, thus leading to pronounced alterations in excitatory input. Second, by androgen-controlled changes in the innervation
pattern of the prepacemaker nucleus by fibers expressing the neuropeptide substance P. In addition to these two dynamic processes,
cells are generated continuously and at high number in the central posterior/prepacemaker nucleus during adulthood. This phenomenon
may provide the basis for a “refreshment”, thus facilitating possible changes in the underlying neural network.
Accepted: 17 September 1990 |
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Keywords: | Behavioral plasticity Neuronal plasticity Prepacemaker nucleus Postnatal neurogenesis Weakly electric fish |
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