Developmental Changes in the Sexually Dimorphic Expression of Secretory Carrier Membrane Protein 1 and Its Co-Localisation with Androgen Receptor Protein in the Zebra Finch Song System

Abstract

The song system of zebra finches differs dramatically between the sexes in terms of both structure and function. Only males sing and the brain regions regulating the learning and production of this behaviour are far more developed in males than females. Mechanisms regulating sexual differentiation likely include both direct genetic and hormonal processes. Expression of both mRNA and the protein product for secretory carrier membrane protein 1 (SCAMP1), a sex chromosome gene, are increased in the brains of juvenile males compared to females. Here we investigated developmental changes in SCAMP1 containing cells in song nuclei and co-localisation with androgen receptor (AR) protein from post-hatching day 25 through adulthood. Almost all SCAMP1 cells co-expressed AR and approximately half of the AR cells expressed SCAMP1 in the HVC and robust nucleus in the arcopallium (RA) of both sexes and in the Area X of males (which could not be clearly defined in females). In HVC and RA, more single and double-labelled cells were detected in males than females overall, and the sex differences increased as animals matured. The results suggest the potential for interaction of these two proteins in regulating development of brain and/or behaviour.