Meeting Abstract

P1-44   -   The effect of an early viral immune challenge on decision-making behavior in the zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttate) Williams, SG*; Grindstaff, JL; Oklahoma State University; Oklahoma State University sierra.g.williams@okstate.edu

Immunity and behavior covary, as pathogens can influence behavior and behavior can influence pathogen acquisition. Early-life experiences may serve as a potential mechanism for this apparent covariation as the development of neural circuitry is sensitive to adversity. Exposure to viral pathogens initiates a cascade of inflammatory cytokines that are critical for viral clearance in neonates. Initial inflammation may lead to synaptic disorganization and subsequent altered behavioral phenotype. Our objective was to elucidate the effect of an early viral immune challenge on decision-making in zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata) during a multi-level learning trial. We exposed nestling zebra finches to a synthetic dsRNA virus, Polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (Poly I:C). For comparison, we created two control groups: nestlings injected with an equal volume of saline and non-injected nestlings that were simply handled. At 6-months post-hatch, birds were tested for learning proficiency using a novel foraging task. Previous analyses have shown Poly I:C and saline-challenged birds learn at the same speed (within sexes). The analysis we will be presenting will further evaluate this interaction by assessing how treatment affects an individuals’ behavior at each step of the foraging task. This research is particularly informative as it may provide further insight into the apparent consequences of vehicle injection alone.