Functional and Anatomic Correlates of Neural Aging in Birds

Vet Clin North Am Exot Anim Pract. 2018 Jan;21(1):151-158. doi: 10.1016/j.cvex.2017.08.006.

Abstract

Avian species show variation in longevity, habitat, physiologic characteristics, and lifetime endocrine patterns. Lifetime reproductive and metabolic function vary. Much is known about the neurobiology of the song system in many altricial birds. Little is known about aging in neural systems in birds. Captive birds often survive beyond the age they would in the wild, providing an opportunity to gain an understanding of the physiologic and neural changes. This paper reviews the available information with the goal of capturing areas of potential investigation into gaps in our understanding of neural aging as reflected in physiologic, endocrine, and cognitive aging.

Keywords: Aging; Long- and short-lived birds; Neural aging; Neuroendocrine system aging.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Animals
  • Birds / anatomy & histology*
  • Birds / physiology*
  • Longevity
  • Nervous System / anatomy & histology
  • Nervous System Physiological Phenomena