Songbird Before Cholinergic Neurons In Brain Ming Warble Control Nuclei

In this paper, cholinergic neurons was mapped in the two kinds of birds (Emberiza rutila and Fringilla montifringilla) by using immunohistochemical method.The soma size and cell density of cholinergic neurons in the three song control nuclei, the higher vocal center (HVC), the robust nucleus of the archistriatum (RA) and area X, were measured and compared. Here we discussed the distribution of cholinergic neurons and their effect on the process of song producing and song learning.The results show that ChAT-LI was found in HVC,RA and areaX of forebrain. The main soma size and cell density in the two song control nuclei (HVC and RA) have sexual differences. After stained, LPO was detected in the immunohistochemical background. And area X could be distinguished from the surrounding LPO. There are no differences of soma size and cell density in the labeled neurons in the area X. The song control nuclei of Emberiza rutila have more intense ChAT-LI than that of Fringilla montifringilla. This suggests there are significant differences between two kinds of birds.The soma size and cell density of the cholinergic neurons in the song control nuclei have sexual and species differences. This implies that cholinergic neurons are important ones in the song control regions,which may be involved in song acquiring and song learning.