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Updated: Feb 11, 2026

Single Sensillum Recordings for Locust Palp Sensilla Basiconica
Published on: June 23, 2018
Dopamine signalling in locusts and other insects
1Department of Animal Physiology and Neurobiology, Zoological Institute, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
Abstract:
Dopamine is an important catecholamine neurotransmitter in invertebrates and vertebrates. It is biochemically derived from tyrosine via L-DOPA. It is most abundant in the central nervous system, but can also be produced in e.g. epidermal cells. Dopamine has conserved roles in the control of movement, pleasure, motivation, arousal and memory between invertebrate and vertebrate animals. It is crucial for melanisation and sclerotisation, important processes for the formation of the exoskeleton of insects and immune function. In this brief review I will discuss some general aspects of insect dopamine biosynthesis and breakdown, dopamine receptors and their pharmacology. In addition, I will provide a glance on the multitude of biological functions of dopamine in insects. More detail is provided concerning the putative roles of dopamine in phase related phenomena in locusts. Finally, molecular and pharmacological adjustments of insect dopamine signalling are discussed in the light of possible approaches towards insect pest management.
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