Cellular and Synaptic Rules Enabling Vocal Communication

项目摘要：NIDCD的一个主要目标是研究正常和正常的感觉运动加工 无序的沟通。然而，具体的沟通机制是不完善的 明白了。在这项提案中，我直接使用鸣鸟(斑马雀)作为模型系统来解决这些问题。 该提案的重点是高发声中枢(或HVC)，这是一种分析运动皮质的前脑结构 在人类身上。许多方法将被应用于HVC的研究，目的是阐明细胞和 支配该核团功能的突触规则，以便更好地理解其功能并 最终揭示了人类交流中的障碍。 第一个具体目标将解决HVG在为歌曲系统提供定时方面的重要性 信息。在初步研究中，我使用热电设备来改变HVC的温度 唱斑马雀，这导致了歌曲时长的修改。冷却HVC会导致歌唱速度变慢； 暖气HVC加快了歌曲的播放速度。1将把这些研究扩展到RA(HVC的下游目标)，以便 直接测试HVC是否作为SONG系统内的自主时钟。 第二个具体目标将解决有助于内部模式生成的细胞机制 HVG。拟议的实验将阐明终止HVC的细胞和/或突触机制。 爆发，导致该核团内稀疏的、有功能选择的神经元活动。 第三个具体目标将解决在HVC内有助于图案生成的电路机制。 几乎对管理HVC突触连接的规则一无所知。%1将从成对的HVC录制 细胞来研究支配HVC突触的静态和动态特性。这些实验将允许 更好地理解HVC的功能原理和地形组织。

Project Summary: A principle aim of the NIDCD is the study of the "sensorimotor processing in normal and disordered communication". However, the specific mechanisms which mediate vocal communication are poorly understood. In this proposal, I directly address these issues using the songbird (zebra finch) as a model system. The proposal focuses on the high vocal center (or HVC), which is a forebrain structure analygous to motor cortex in humans. A number of methods will be applied to the study of HVC, with the goal of elucidating cellular and synaptic rules that govern the function Of that nucleus in order to better understand its function and to ultimately shed light into disorders in human communication. The first specific aim will address the importance of HVG in providing the song system with timing information. In preliminary studies, I have used a thermoelectric device to alter the temperature of HVC in the singing zebra finch, which results in a modification of song duration. Cooling HVC leads to slower singing; heating HVC speeds the song. 1 will extend these studies Into RA (the downstream target of HVC) in order to directly test whether HVC acts as an autonomous clock within the song system. The second specific aim will address the cellular mechanisms that contribute to pattern generation within HVG. The proposed experiments will elucidate the cellular and/or synaptic mechanisms that terminate HVC bursts, leading to sparse, feature-selective neuronal activity within that nucleus. The third specific aim will address the circuit mechanisms that contribute to pattern generation within HVC. Almostnothing is known about the rules that govern HVC synaptic connections. 1 will record from pairs of HVC cells to study the static and dynamic properties governing HVC synapses. These experiments will allow for a better understanding of the functional principles and topographic organization of HVC.