Seasonal neuroplasticity of visual and auditory system integration: an in vivo MRI study in starling.
Abstract
Previous studies from our team have demonstrated that seasonal plasticity in the songbird brain extends the song control system (SCS) covering sensory systems such as the visual and the auditory system. In this project we want to investigate whether seasonal neuroplastic changes in these circuits imply also functional changes that steer behavioral differences in favor of reproduction. This would revolutionize the concept of seasonal plasticity which was until recently well described only for the SCS with a clear behavioral read out, i.e. changes in song performance. Since visual inputs, linked to mate attraction, change over the seasons, it is our objective to study seasonal changes in visual system processing. This will be done in both male and female starling using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). We hypothesize that structural and functional changes in the sensory systems are specific for particular stimulus categories such as sexually relevant stimuli. To investigate this hypothesis, we will perform visual fMRI with visual reproductive relevant stimuli over the seasons.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Jonckers Elisabeth
Research team(s)
Project type(s)
- Research Project
Seasonal neuroplasticity of visual and auditory system integration: an in vivo MRI study in starling.
Abstract
This project onderzoeken we of seizoenale neuroplastische veranderingen in sensorische netwerken van seizoenale zangvogels gepaard gaan met functionle veranderingen die leiden tot gedragswijzigingen die reproductie in de hand werken. Het onderzoek maakt gebruik van multisensory fMRI.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Van Der Linden Annemie
- Co-promoter: Keliris Georgios A.
- Fellow: Jonckers Elisabeth
Research team(s)
Project type(s)
- Research Project
Resting state fMRI in small animals: a new angle for assessing neuroplasticity ?
Abstract
This project has a double purpose. The first objective is implementation and optimization of 'resting state fRMI' in control rats as a proof of principle. Most of the research is done in humans and only a few studies on animals are reported. It will be a challenge to develop a scanning and analysis protocol with optimal parameters for scanning, anesthesia and data-processing. Subsequently the implementation and optimization will be extended to songbirds. The second objective is to understand the accordance of low frequent fluctuations measured during resting state in different brain regions and the anatomical and functional connectivity of these regions (as observed with DTI en MEMRI).Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Van Der Linden Annemie
- Fellow: Jonckers Elisabeth
Research team(s)
Project type(s)
- Research Project