Regulation of vocal precision by local noradrenergic modulation of a motor nucleus

Recent theories of norepinephrine (NE) function suggest that NE modulates the transition between stereotyped, goal-directed behavior and more variable exploratory behaviors that facilitate learning and adaptation. We provide evidence for context dependent switching by NE that is analogous to this explore/exploit strategy in the vocal system of the zebra finch ( Taeniopygia guttata ). Stimulation of the locus coeruleus, the major source of norepinephrine in the brain, decreases song trial-to-trial variability transforming the variable, exploratory “undirected” song into song that resembles the more stereotyped, exploitative “directed” song males sing to females. This behavioral switch is mediated by NE acting directly on a cortical motor nucleus that integrates inputs from a premotor cortical nucleus and a basal ganglia circuit necessary for vocal motor learning. These findings suggest that norepinephrine can act directly on the motor system to influence the transition between exploratory and exploitative behavioral strategies.