Hormonal Modulation of Singing: Hormonal Modulation of the Songbird Brain and Singing Behavior

@article{Harding2004HormonalMO,
  title={Hormonal Modulation of Singing: Hormonal Modulation of the Songbird Brain and Singing Behavior},
  author={Cheryl F. Harding},
  journal={Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences},
  year={2004},
  volume={1016}
}
  • C. Harding
  • Published 1 June 2004
  • Biology
  • Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences
Abstract: During the past three decades research on the hormonal control of singing has fundamentally altered our basic concepts about how hormones modulate brain function and activate behavior. Exciting discoveries first documented in songbird brains have since been documented in a wide variety of vertebrate species, including humans. Circulating hormones organize sexual dimorphisms in brain structure during development, activate changes in brain structure during adulthood, and modulate the… 
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38 Citations
Highly Influential Citations
2
Background Citations
21
Methods Citations
1
Results Citations
1

38 Citations

Differential effects of global versus local testosterone on singing behavior and its underlying neural substrate

POM is a key site where T acts to activate copulation and increase song rate, an appetitive sexual behavior in songbirds, but T action in other areas of the brain or periphery is required to enhance the quality of song as well as regulate context-specific vocalizations.

Steroid Hormones Act Transsynaptically within the Forebrain to Regulate Neuronal Phenotype and Song Stereotypy

It is found that ARs and ERs in the song-control nucleus HVC mediate systemic testosterone-induced changes in song stereotypy but not rate, part of a concerted change in key premotor nuclei, enabling stereotyped song.

Testosterone and social context affect singing behavior but not song control region volumes in adult male songbirds in the fall

Social context affects testosterone-induced singing and the volume of song control nuclei in male canaries (Serinus canaria).

The effects of T on singing rate and on the volume of the song control nuclei are modulated by the social environment, including the presence/absence of a potential mate and dominance status among males.

Testosterone‐induced neuroendocrine changes in the medial preoptic area precede song activation and plasticity in song control nuclei of female canaries

Although testosterone increased the number of newborn neurons in HVC rapidly, it is unlikely that these new neurons affect singing behavior before they mature and integrate into functional circuits, and rapid action of testosterone in POM supports its proposed role in controlling singing motivation.

A Neuroethological Approach to Song Behavior and Perception in European Starlings: Interrelationships Among Testosterone, Neuroanatomy, Immediate Early Gene Expression, and Immune Function

Co-localization patterns of neurotensin receptor 1 and tyrosine hydroxylase in brain regions involved in motivation and social behavior in male European starlings

Sex hormone influence on human infants' sound characteristics: melody in spontaneous crying

It is suggested that oestradiol may have effects on the development and function of the auditory–vocal system in human infants that are as powerful as those in vocal-learning animals.

Hormonal acceleration of song development illuminates motor control mechanism in canaries

This research shows that the known effect of testosterone on the neural circuits gives rise to the stereotyped categories of respiratory motor gestures in canaries, and all previously identified categories of adult song were observed.

Reversing song behavior phenotype: Testosterone driven induction of singing and measures of song quality in adult male and female canaries (Serinus canaria).

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