Vocal–acoustic circuitry and descending vocal pathways in teleost fish: Convergence with terrestrial vertebrates reveals conserved traits

摘要: Vocal behavior is multifaceted and requires that vocal-motor patterning be integrated at multiple brain levels with auditory, neuroendocrine, other social processes (e.g., courtship aggression). We now provide anatomical evidence for an extensive vocal network in teleost fishes (Batrachoididae: Porichthys notatus; Opsanus beta) strongly neuroendocrine auditory pathways exhibits striking similarities to the vocal-acoustic circuitry known mammals. Biotin compound injections into neurophysiologically identified regions of forebrain (preoptic area anterior hypothalamus) midbrain (periaqueductal gray paralemniscal tegmentum) reveal connectivity within between these regions, as well reciprocal relationships thalamus and/or (torus semicircularis). Thus, specific components basal are here designated complex (fVAC) (mVAC), respectively. mVAC a previously hindbrain pattern generator likewise distributed descending projections pacemaker-motoneuron circuitry. Together, present experiments establish vocal-auditory-neuroendocrine fish links (i.e., fVAC --> generator) provides framework neuropeptide modulation activity elicited from midbrain, which contributes expression sex- male morph-specific behavior. conclude broad comparison findings those vertebrate taxa suggest novel insights structure conserved behavioral regulatory circuits have led evolutionary convergence systems.