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Programmed cell death of identified peptidergic neurons involved in ecdysis behavior in the Moth, Manduca sexta

J Ewer1, C M Wang, K A Klukas

  • 1Zoology Department, University of Washington, Seattle 98195-1800, USA.

Journal of Neurobiology
|November 7, 1998
PubMed

Insights

Newly identified peptidergic neurons controlling ecdysis behavior in Manduca sexta undergo programmed cell death after adult emergence. This programmed cell death eliminates neurons crucial for ecdysis behavior shortly after the final molt.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Developmental Biology
  • Insect Physiology

Background:

  • Adult Manduca sexta moths experience significant neuron loss post-eclosion.
  • The identity of most dying neurons and the mechanisms driving their elimination remain largely unknown.
  • Previous research identified some dying motoneurons, but the fate of other neuronal populations is unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify the specific types of neurons undergoing programmed cell death after adult eclosion in Manduca sexta.
  • To investigate the role of crustacean cardioactive peptide (CCAP)-expressing neurons in ecdysis behavior and their developmental fate.
  • To elucidate the timing and mechanism of neuronal elimination in the adult central nervous system.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized novel markers to identify and characterize specific neuronal populations.
  • Performed immunocytochemistry to visualize CCAP-expressing neurons and their developmental expression patterns.
  • Investigated the timing and process of cell death using programmed cell death assays post-eclosion.

Main Results:

  • Identified peptidergic neurons expressing CCAP as a population undergoing significant cell death.
  • Demonstrated that these CCAP-immunoreactive neurons are involved in controlling ecdysis behavior.
  • Showed that these neurons undergo programmed cell death within 36 hours after adult eclosion.

Conclusions:

  • The study reveals that CCAP-expressing neurons, vital for ecdysis, are eliminated via programmed cell death after adult emergence.
  • This finding supports the hypothesis of active elimination of obsolete or unused neurons in the adult nervous system.
  • The research provides insights into the developmental regulation of neuronal populations and the pruning of neural circuits post-metamorphosis.

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