Intracortical microstimulation parameters modulate flight behavior in pigeon.

Abstract

Pigeons have a natural affinity for travel by flight. Researchers have recently achieved modulation of pigeon locomotor behaviour by intracortical microstimulation. However, there is a lack of research focused on the analysis of microstimulations parameters in the control of pigeon flight. Here, chronic microelectrode implantation technology is employed to establish a model for evaluation of the effects of pigeon flight modulation. Furthermore, three stimulation parameters are compared (amplitude, frequency, and duty ratio) and analyzed as to how they and their interactions affect the flight of pigeons. Results show that microstimulation of the pigeon formation reticularis medialis mesencephali area has significant effects on modulation of pigeon flight and there is a significant non-linear correlation between the stimulation parameters employed and modulation of the flight trajectory. Additionally, we found that the amplitude interacts with both frequency and duty ratio. These results indicate that the flight trajectory of a pigeon can be modulated by alterations made to microstimulation parameters.