Journal of neuroendocrinology
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J. Neuroendocrinol. · May 2015
Masculinisation of the zebra finch song system: roles of oestradiol and the Z-chromosome gene tubulin-specific chaperone protein A.
Robust sex differences in brain and behaviour exist in zebra finches. Only males sing, and forebrain song control regions are more developed in males. The factors driving these differences are not clear, although numerous experiments have shown that oestradiol (E2 ) administered to female hatchlings partially masculinises brain and behaviour. ⋯ TBCA siRNA delivered to the LMAN also decreased the projection from this brain region to the RA, as indicated by anterograde tract tracing. The results suggest that TBCA is involved in masculinising the song system. However, because no interactions between the siRNA and hormone manipulations were detected, TBCA does not appear to modulate effects of E2 in the zebra finch song circuit.