Short photoperiod modulates behavior, cognition and hippocampal neurogenesis in male Japanese quail.

ABSTRACT: The mechanisms underlying the photoperiodic control of reproduction in mammals and birds have been recently clarified. In contrast, the potential impact of photoperiod on more complex, integrative processes, such as cognitive behaviors, remains poorly characterized. Here, we investigated the impact of contrasted long and short photoperiods (LP, 16 h light/day and SP, 8 h light/day, respectively) on learning, spatial orientation abilities, and emotional reactivity in male Japanese quail. In addition, we quantified cell proliferation and young cell maturation/migration within the hippocampus, a brain region involved in spatial orientation. Our study reveals that, in male quail, SP increases emotional responses and spatial orientation abilities, compared to LP. Behaviorally, SP birds were fou

SUBMITTER: Georgelin M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9849226 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature