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Regulation of 3β-HSD activity in the songbird brain

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Abstract

Birds show high levels of steroid synthesis in the brain. Steroid biosynthesis in the brain can provide a mechanism for local and rapid changes in steroid levels in particular brain regions. Neural steroidogenic enzymes are regulated on both short and long timescales by both endogenous and environmental factors. Here, we discuss the regulation of one steroidogenic enzyme, 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/Δ5-Δ4 isomerase (3β-HSD), which activates the prohormone dehydroepiandrosterone by converting it to a potent and aromatizable androgen, androstenedione. First, brain 3β-HSD mRNA and activity are regulated by developmental stage in nestling Zebra Finches (Taeniopygia guttata). Second, in vitro estradiol rapidly (<10 min) inhibits Zebra Finch brain 3β-HSD activity. Third, restraint stress rapidly (<15 min) regulates brain 3β-HSD activity in adult Zebra Finches and Song Sparrows (Melospiza melodia). Fourth, brain 3β-HSD activity is upregulated during the non-breeding season in wild male Song Sparrows. Fifth, during the non-breeding season, brain 3β-HSD activity is rapidly (<30 min) elevated by territorial encounters in a region-specific manner in male Song Sparrows. Taken together, these studies suggest that brain 3β-HSD is a key factor in the control of avian neurophysiology and behavior.

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Acknowledgments

We thank Drs. Jacques Balthazart and Greg Ball for the invitation to speak at the 2010 International Ornithological Congress. We also thank Kim Schmidt for comments on the manuscript. Finally, we thank two anonymous reviewers for their helpful comments on the manuscript. The work described in this review was supported by grants from the Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research to K.K.S. and by NSERC PGS D3 and Brains & Behavior (Georgia State University) fellowships to D.S.P.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA

    Devaleena S. Pradhan

  2. Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada

    Kiran K. Soma

  3. Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada

    Devaleena S. Pradhan & Kiran K. Soma

  4. Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada

    Kiran K. Soma

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  1. Devaleena S. Pradhan
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  2. Kiran K. Soma
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Correspondence to Devaleena S. Pradhan.

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Communicated by Scott V. Edwards.

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Pradhan, D.S., Soma, K.K. Regulation of 3β-HSD activity in the songbird brain. J Ornithol 153 (Suppl 1), 227–234 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10336-011-0808-9

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