University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Classification and Processing of Communication Calls in Little Brown Bats, Myotis Lucifugus

Melendez, Karla V.

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Description

Title
Classification and Processing of Communication Calls in Little Brown Bats, Myotis Lucifugus
Author(s)
Melendez, Karla V.
Issue Date
2008
Doctoral Committee Chair(s)
Feng, Albert S.
Department of Study
Neuroscience
Discipline
Neuroscience
Degree Granting Institution
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Degree Name
Ph.D.
Degree Level
Dissertation
Keyword(s)
Biology, Neuroscience
Language
eng
Abstract
In chapter 4, I investigated subcortical structures (i.e., thalamus and IC) involved in the processing of communication signals, using egr1 (an immediate early gene) as a molecular marker for brain activation. Three species-specific signals were included -- downward FM (DFM), courtship, and echolocation. Reversed DFM and silence groups were used as a comparison for basal activity. Call-dependent egr1 expression was found in all subdivisions of the thalamus and IC. Specifically, the central nucleus of the IC showed robust expression for DFM and echolocation calls, followed by courtship calls. The external nucleus and dorsal cortex of the IC also showed robust expression for DFM and echolocation calls, but not for courtship calls. The medial geniculate body of the thalamus showed generally weaker expression compared to the IC, with higher expression levels for DFM and echolocation signals compared to reversed calls and silence. Results of the present egr1 studies suggest that these subcortical auditory regions are shared for processing echolocation and communication signals.
Graduation Semester
2008
Type of Resource
text
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http://hdl.handle.net/2142/82524

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