Effects of Stimulation of Nucleus Lateral Magnocellularis of Anterior Neostriatum on Vocalization and Respiration in Carduelis spinus

Experiments on urethane-anesthetized Carduelis spinus were performed.The effects of electrical and chemical stimulation to the nucleus lateral magnocellularis of anterior neostriatum (lMAN) on vocalization and respiration were observed.The results were as follows:(1) Electrical stimulation of lMAN caused vocal response.(2) Long train electrical stimulation of lMAN elicited an increase of respiratory rate and a reducing of respiratory depth.(3) Short train stimulation administered in lMAN during the inspiratory and expiratory phase terminated the inspiratory switch-off and prolongation of expiratory phase so as to coordinate vocalization.(4) Microinjection of ethanol into lMAN produced an alternate change of the respiratory inhibition first,and then increase of respiratory rate and depth.These results showed that lMAN had some effects on respiration besides vocal control.This suggested that lMAN might take a part in coordinating singing and respiration.