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Neuropharmacological Manipulation of Restrained and Free-flying Honey Bees, Apis mellifera
Published on: November 26, 2016
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GABA signaling affects motor function in the honey bee
Julie A Mustard1, Lisa Jones2, Geraldine A Wright3
1Department of Biology, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Brownsville, TX 78520, USA.
Journal of Insect Physiology
|December 6, 2019
Summary
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) influences honey bee motor functions. Activating GABA receptors reduced activity, while blocking them caused distinct motor deficits, revealing specific roles for GABA receptor types in behavior.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Insect Physiology
- Behavioral Biology
Background:
- Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in nervous systems.
- In insects, GABA is crucial for neuromuscular junctions, central pattern generators, and higher brain functions.
- GABAA receptors are significant targets for various pesticides, making their function a key area of study.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the specific roles of GABA and its receptor subtypes (GABAA and GABAB) in regulating honey bee motor behavior.
- To determine how manipulating GABAergic signaling affects activity levels and specific motor patterns in foraging bees.
Main Methods:
- Honey bee foragers were injected with GABA, GABA receptor agonists, or receptor antagonists.
- Specific antagonists used included picrotoxin for GABAA receptors.
- Observed and recorded behavioral changes following injections, including activity levels, righting ability, grooming, and extended wing behavior.
Main Results:
- Activation of either GABAA or GABAB receptors led to decreased overall activity in bees.
- Blockade of GABAA receptors with picrotoxin resulted in the loss of the righting reflex.
- Blockade of GABAB receptors increased grooming behavior.
- Antagonism of both GABAA and GABAB receptors induced extended wing behavior.
Conclusions:
- GABAergic signaling significantly impacts honey bee motor control.
- GABAA and GABAB receptors mediate distinct behavioral outputs.
- GABA influences behavior at multiple levels within the insect nervous system.
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