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Anatomical Expression and Functional Role of the G-Protein Coupled Estrogen Receptor 1 in the Song System of Zebra Finches (Taeniopygia guttata)

Attarhaie Tehrani, Mahtab
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent152416406994131

Abstract Details

2018, PHD, Kent State University, College of Arts and Sciences / Department of Biological Sciences.
In zebra finches, estradiol contributes to sexual differentiation of the song system and influences dimorphisms in auditory processing, but the receptor(s) underlying its action are not entirely known. Whereas mRNA and/or protein for nuclear estrogen receptors ERa and ERß are minimally expressed, the G-protein coupled estrogen receptor 1 (GPER1) has a much greater distribution within song nuclei, the vocal organ (syrinx), and a major auditory region in the brain. This has only been verified at a few ages (post-hatching (P) day 21 and adults) so in general, little is known about GPER1 expression and importance particularly during early development. To expand knowledge of this receptor, in this dissertation, I semi-quantitatively described GPER1 protein at a wider range of ages (from P15 – P45) in the major song nuclei and specific auditory regions in male and female zebra finches. Within song nuclei, GPER1 was localized to the High Vocal Center (HVC), robust nucleus of arcopallium (RA), and lateral magnocellular nucleus of the anterior nidopallium (LMAN), whereas Area X (only present in males) was devoid of GPER1 receptors. In auditory regions, GPER1 was detected within Field L, caudomedial nidopallium (NCM) and nucleus interfacialis (NIf). Overall, expression in these regions appeared to vary with age and sex, with some patterns that were consistent with a role for GPER1 in shaping sex differences in structure and function. To more directly examine the functional significance of this receptor specifically within the song system, the GPER1 antagonist, G-15, was intracranially administered to zebra finches for 25 days beginning on the day of hatching. In males, G-15 significantly decreased nuclear volumes of HVC and Area X. It also decreased muscle fiber sizes of ventralis and dorsalis in the syrinx. In females, G-15 had no effect on measures within the brain, but did increase fiber sizes of both muscle groups. Finally, to address the importance of the method of drug delivery, in a separate study I intramuscularly injected male and female zebra finches with G-15 in a paradigm otherwise identical to the previous experiment and found no effect of treatment in the brain. The syrinx, however, was affected but only in males. Specifically, ventralis and dorsalis muscle fiber sizes were decreased. In sum, these data support the hypothesis that GPER1 is expressed throughout development within the major auditory and song regions in the zebra finch brain, and can have selective and opposing influences on dimorphisms within the song system. But since not all features were affected by receptor antagonism, other factors are likely involved. Additionally, since intramuscular injections resulted in effects that were different than intracranial, method of drug administration is an important factor in zebra finches that should be given more serious consideration when designing experiments in this model system.
Sean Veney, Ph.D. (Advisor)
115 p.
Biology; Developmental Biology; Endocrinology; Neurobiology; Neurosciences; Physiology
Sexual Dimorphism, Songbird, Brain, Syrinx, Estrogen Receptor, Cell Survival, Apoptosis, Drug Delivery

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Citations

  • Attarhaie Tehrani, M. (2018). Anatomical Expression and Functional Role of the G-Protein Coupled Estrogen Receptor 1 in the Song System of Zebra Finches (Taeniopygia guttata) [Doctoral dissertation, Kent State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent152416406994131

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Attarhaie Tehrani, Mahtab. Anatomical Expression and Functional Role of the G-Protein Coupled Estrogen Receptor 1 in the Song System of Zebra Finches (Taeniopygia guttata). 2018. Kent State University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent152416406994131.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Attarhaie Tehrani, Mahtab. "Anatomical Expression and Functional Role of the G-Protein Coupled Estrogen Receptor 1 in the Song System of Zebra Finches (Taeniopygia guttata)." Doctoral dissertation, Kent State University, 2018. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent152416406994131

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

kent152416406994131
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This open access ETD is published by Kent State University and OhioLINK.