鸟类鸣唱是一种复杂的发声行为,需要感知和运动技能学习等神经过程的参与。与人类语言学习的过程相似,鸟类鸣唱学习过程由脑中的一整套神经结构所控制,我们称之为鸣唱控制系统。研究表明,脑源性神经营养因子(brain-derived neurotrophic factor,BDNF)在鸣唱控制系统对鸣唱行为的调控中起着关键作用。目前已在BDNF对鸟类鸣唱调控作用的研究方面取得了一批重要的理论成果,主要集中在BDNF影响新生神经元募集及存活、性激素及性别二态性、鸣唱控制系统季节可塑性和鸣曲形成等科学问题。文章对BDNF与鸣唱行为调控关系研究中所取得的进展做了详细论述。
The singing of songbirds is a complex vocal behavior. Neural processes of perception and motor skill learning are involved in birds' song behavior. The process of birds' song learning is similar to the process of human beings' language learning, which is controlled by a set of neural structures in the birds' brain, called the song control system. It was reported that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) played a key role in the regulation of birds' song behavior. A number of important theoretical results were achieved in the researches on the role of BDNF in regulation of birds' song behavior, mainly concerning the role of BDNF in regulation of new born neurons recruitment and survival, sex hormone and sex dimorphism, seasonal plasticity of the song control system, formation of birdsong, etc. This paper gives a detailed discussion on the research progress in the role of BDNF in regulation of birds' song behavior.