Inter-regional Variations in Pyramidal Neurons of Hippocampus in Breeding Male Baya Weaver Bird (Ploceus philippinus)

Abstract

The avian hippocampus showing neuronal fluctuations in response to seasonal breeding has limited information in birds. Here an attempt was made to investigate the inter-regional variations primarily in the dendritic thickness and spine density of pyramidal neurons in hippocampal complex in male Ploceus philippinus during the breeding period. The results showed significant inter-laminar differences with increased parameters in Parahippocampal Area (APH) thus implying more neuronal networking of APH suggesting its possible role in various learning, sexual, social and nesting behavior.