Brain, Behavior and Evolution

Original Paper

Role of the Archistriatal Nucleus taeniae in the Sexual Behavior of Male Japanese Quail (Coturnix japonica): A Comparison of Function with the Medial Nucleus of the Amygdala in Mammals

Thompson R. · Goodson J.L. · Ruscio M.G. · Adkins-Regan E.

Author affiliations

Cornell University, Department of Psychology, Ithaca, N.Y., USA

Keywords: ArchistriatumNucleus taeniaeQuailCoturnixAmygdalaSexual behavior

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Brain Behav Evol 1998;51:215–229
https://doi.org/10.1159/000006539

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Article / Publication Details

First-Page Preview
Abstract of Original Paper

Published online: March 06, 1998
Issue release date: April 1998

Number of Print Pages: 15
Number of Figures: 8
Number of Tables: 0

ISSN: 0006-8977 (Print)
eISSN: 1421-9743 (Online)

For additional information: https://www.karger.com/BBE

Abstract

Nucleus taeniae (Tn) is a prominent cell group within the medial archistriatum of birds. Based upon similarities in sex-steroid binding sites, this nucleus has been hypothesized to be homologous to the medial nucleus of the amygdala (Me) in mammals, which is known to modulate the expression of sexual behavior in rodents. We therefore tested whether or not Tn likewise plays a role in the expression of sexual behavior in male Japanese quail. We found that bilateral damage to Tn produced deficits in several components of male responses toward female stimuli that were indicative of decreased sexual arousal, incuding goal-oriented responses, vocalizations associated with courtship, and motor reflexes that precede copulation. Our results suggest that Tn influences a wide range of behavioral functions in response to sexual stimuli, and they indicate a function for this nucleus similar to that subserved by the Me in mammals. These results strengthen the argument that these sex-steroid accumulating cell groups are homologous and suggest a conservation of function for them despite the vastly divergent evolutionary histories separating birds and mammals.



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Article / Publication Details

First-Page Preview
Abstract of Original Paper

Published online: March 06, 1998
Issue release date: April 1998

Number of Print Pages: 15
Number of Figures: 8
Number of Tables: 0

ISSN: 0006-8977 (Print)
eISSN: 1421-9743 (Online)

For additional information: https://www.karger.com/BBE

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1998, Vol.51, No. 4

April 1998

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