Neural dynamics of vocal recovery

Florida State University, Tallahassee FL

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Abstract

[unreadable] DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The objective of this application is to elucidate the neural mechanisms important for recovery of a complex learned behavior in the event of central damage. Zebra finches, like humans, have specific brain regions that are responsible for vocalization. I have found that microlesions in the anterior portion of HVC (the zebra finch analogue of human cortical regions for speech production) induce a destabilization of the song pattern. Over the course of two weeks, birds then recover most acoustic features of their song. Moreover, it appears that prior removal of LMAN (a telencephalic region necessary for adult vocal maintenance) prevents HVC-induced destabilization. This suggests a surprising interaction of telencephalic nuclei in the mediation and perhaps real-time sustainability of the adult song pattern. Thus, the proposed experiments will examine integrated components and molecular changes involved in vocal recovery. Results will determine whether behavioral changes are enacted by neural repair mechanisms intrinsic to HVC, a rapid change in the input from nuclei controlling song production, or a combination of both processes. My findings may have implications for recovery of vocal function following brain injury in humans. [unreadable] [unreadable] [unreadable]