In vivo manganese-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging reveals connections and functional properties of the songbird vocal control system |
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Authors: | Van der Linden A Verhoye M Van Meir V Tindemans I Eens M Absil P Balthazart J |
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Affiliation: | Bio-Imaging Laboratory, RUCA, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, B-2020 Antwerp, Belgium. avadelin@ruca.ua.ac.be |
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Abstract: | Injection of manganese (Mn(2+)), a paramagnetic tract tracing agent and calcium analogue, into the high vocal center of starlings labeled within a few hours the nucleus robustus archistriatalis and area X as observed by in vivo magnetic resonance imaging. Structures highlighted by Mn(2+) accumulation assumed the expected tri-dimensional shape of the nucleus robustus archistriatalis and area X as identified by classical histological or neurochemical methods. The volume of these nuclei could be accurately calculated by segmentation of the areas highlighted by Mn(2+). Besides confirming previously established volumetric sex differences, Mn(2+) uptake into these nuclei revealed new functional sex differences affecting Mn(2+) transport. A faster transport was observed in males than in females and different relative amounts of Mn(2+) were transported to nucleus robustus archistriatalis and area X in males as compared to females.This new in vivo approach, allowing repeated measures, opens new vistas to study the remarkable seasonal plasticity in size and activity of song-control nuclei and correlate neuronal activity with behavior. It also provides new insights on in vivo axonal transport and neuronal activity in song-control nuclei of oscines. |
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