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Goggatomy: A Method for Opening Small Cuticular Compartments in Arthropods for Physiological Experiments
Alan R Kay1, Davide Raccuglia2, Jon Scholte3
1Department of Biology, University of Iowa Iowa, IA, USA.
Frontiers in Physiology
|October 4, 2016
Summary
Researchers developed "goggatomy," a novel method to expose live sensory cells in arthropods. This technique allows direct access to auditory and olfactory neurons in fruit flies and other small invertebrates.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Entomology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Arthropod sense organs are typically enclosed in exoskeletal compartments, limiting direct cellular access.
- Studying the plasma membranes of sensory cells in these structures is challenging with existing methods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a new technique for exposing live sensory and supporting cells within arthropod exoskeletons.
- To demonstrate the utility of this method for visualizing neuronal structures and preserving cellular function.
Main Methods:
- A novel procedure termed 'goggatomy' was developed.
- This involves embedding the arthropod structure in a viscous, light-cured resin.
- The embedded structure is then precisely sliced with a sharp blade to expose cells.
Main Results:
- Goggatomy successfully exposed auditory chordotonal organs in the antennae of *Drosophila melanogaster*.
- Olfactory receptor neurons in the third antennal segment were also visualized.
- The method preserved the cellular transduction machinery in the exposed sensory neurons.
Conclusions:
- Goggatomy provides a reliable method for accessing and studying live sensory cells in arthropods.
- The technique is applicable to various arthropods, including mosquitoes and mites, for diverse cell studies.
- This method enhances research capabilities in sensory biology and neurobiology of invertebrates.
