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Related Experiment Videos

Immune response inhibits associative learning in insects.

Eamonn B Mallon1, Axel Brockmann, Paul Schmid-Hempel

  • 1Ecology and Evolution, ETH Zürich, ETH-Zentrum NW, CH-8092 Zürich, Switzerland.

Proceedings. Biological Sciences
|December 12, 2003
PubMed
Summary

Honeybees challenged with a non-pathogenic immune stimulant showed impaired memory. This suggests immune responses in insects can negatively impact learning and behavior.

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroimmunology
  • Insect behavior and cognition

Background:

  • Vertebrate studies reveal complex interactions between immune and nervous systems.
  • The neuro-immune axis in insects remains largely unexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the link between the immune system and nervous system in insects.
  • To determine if immune system activation affects insect behavior and memory.

Main Methods:

  • Honeybees were subjected to classical conditioning to associate an odor with a sugar reward.
  • Immune systems were challenged using lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a non-pathogenic immunogenic elicitor.
  • Behavioral assays measured the ability to form odor-sugar reward associations.

Main Results:

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  • Honeybees with challenged immune systems exhibited reduced associative learning abilities.
  • Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exposure impaired the capacity to link odors with rewards.
  • Immune activation incurs a cost beyond survival, affecting cognitive functions.

    • Conclusions:

    • Behavioral evidence demonstrates a functional link between the immune and nervous systems in insects.
    • Immune responses in honeybees can compromise memory formation and everyday behavior.
    • These findings highlight the broader impact of immune activation on insect cognition.