Anatomical and synaptic substrates for avian song learning.

Abstract

In songbirds, vocal learning occurs during periods of major cellular and synaptic change. This neural reorganization includes massive synaptogenesis associated with the addition of new neurons into the vocal motor pathway, as well as pruning of connections between song regions. These observations, coupled with behavioral evidence that song development requires NMDA receptor activation in specific song nuclei, suggest that experiences associated with vocal learning are encoded by activity driven, Hebbianlike processes of synaptic change akin to those implicated in many other forms of developmental plasticity and learning. In this review we discuss the hypothesis that develpmental and/or seasonal changes in NMDA receptor function and the availability of new synapses may modulate thresholds for plasticity and thereby define sensitive periods for vocal learning.