Modulation of Perineuronal Nets and Parvalbumin with Developmental Song Learning

Neural circuits and behavior are shaped during developmental phases of maximal plasticity known as sensitive or critical periods. Neural correlates of sensory critical periods have been identified, but their roles remain unclear. Factors that define critical periods in sensorimotor circuits and beha...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The Journal of neuroscience 2009-10, Vol.29 (41), p.12878-12885
Main Authors: Balmer, Timothy S, Carels, Vanessa M, Frisch, Jillian L, Nick, Teresa A
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Age Factors
Animals
Animals, Newborn
Cell Count
Critical Period (Psychology)
Entropy
Female
Finches
High Vocal Center - anatomy & histology
High Vocal Center - growth & development
High Vocal Center - metabolism
In Vitro Techniques
Learning - physiology
Male
Nerve Net - cytology
Nerve Net - growth & development
Nerve Net - metabolism
Neuronal Plasticity - physiology
Neurons - physiology
Parvalbumins - metabolism
Social Isolation
Vocalization, Animal - physiology
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Summary:Neural circuits and behavior are shaped during developmental phases of maximal plasticity known as sensitive or critical periods. Neural correlates of sensory critical periods have been identified, but their roles remain unclear. Factors that define critical periods in sensorimotor circuits and behavior are not known. Birdsong learning in the zebra finch occurs during a sensitive period similar to that for human speech. We now show that perineuronal nets, which correlate with sensory critical periods, surround parvalbumin-positive neurons in brain areas that are dedicated to singing. The percentage of both total and parvalbumin-positive neurons with perineuronal nets increased with development. In HVC (this acronym is the proper name), a song area important for sensorimotor integration, the percentage of parvalbumin neurons with perineuronal nets correlated with song maturity. Shifting the vocal critical period with tutor song deprivation decreased the percentage of neurons that were parvalbumin positive and the relative staining intensity of both parvalbumin and a component of perineuronal nets. Developmental song learning shares key characteristics with sensory critical periods, suggesting shared underlying mechanisms.
ISSN:0270-6474
1529-2401
DOI:10.1523/JNEUROSCI.2974-09.2009