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The Journal of Neuroscience, October 14, 2009, 29(41):12878-12885; doi:10.1523/JNEUROSCI.2974-09.2009

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Development/Plasticity/Repair
Modulation of Perineuronal Nets and Parvalbumin with Developmental Song Learning

Timothy S. Balmer, * Vanessa M. Carels, * Jillian L. Frisch, and Teresa A. Nick

Department of Neuroscience and Center for Neurobehavioral Development, University of Minnesota Academic Health Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455

Correspondence should be addressed to Teresa A. Nick, 6-145 Jackson Hall, 321 Church Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455. Email: nickx002{at}umn.edu

Neural circuits and behavior are shaped during developmental phases of maximal plasticity known as sensitive or critical periods. Neural correlates of sensory critical periods have been identified, but their roles remain unclear. Factors that define critical periods in sensorimotor circuits and behavior are not known. Birdsong learning in the zebra finch occurs during a sensitive period similar to that for human speech. We now show that perineuronal nets, which correlate with sensory critical periods, surround parvalbumin-positive neurons in brain areas that are dedicated to singing. The percentage of both total and parvalbumin-positive neurons with perineuronal nets increased with development. In HVC (this acronym is the proper name), a song area important for sensorimotor integration, the percentage of parvalbumin neurons with perineuronal nets correlated with song maturity. Shifting the vocal critical period with tutor song deprivation decreased the percentage of neurons that were parvalbumin positive and the relative staining intensity of both parvalbumin and a component of perineuronal nets. Developmental song learning shares key characteristics with sensory critical periods, suggesting shared underlying mechanisms.

Received June 23, 2009; revised Aug. 10, 2009; accepted Sept. 1, 2009.

Correspondence should be addressed to Teresa A. Nick, 6-145 Jackson Hall, 321 Church Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455. Email: nickx002{at}umn.edu


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