Song-associated reward correlates with endocannabinoid-related gene expression in male European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris).

ABSTRACT: Vocal communication is required for successful social interactions in numerous species. During the breeding season, songbirds produce songs that are reinforced by behavioral consequences (e.g., copulation). However, some songbirds also produce songs not obviously directed at other individuals. The consequences maintaining or reinforcing these songs are less obvious and the neural mechanisms associated with undirected communication are not well-understood. Previous studies indicate that undirected singing is intrinsically rewarding and mediated by opioid or dopaminergic systems; however, endocannabinoids are also involved in regulating reward and singing behavior. We used a conditioned place preference paradigm to examine song-associated reward in European starlings and quantitative real-ti

SUBMITTER: Hahn AH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5337133 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature