Work

Serotonergic network in the subesophageal zone modulates the motor pattern for food intake in Drosophila

Year: 2017

Type: article

Abstract: The functional organization of central motor circuits underlying feeding behaviors is not well understood. We have combined electrophysiological and genetic approaches to investigate the regulatory networks upstream of the motor program underlying food intake in the Drosophila larval central nervous system. We discovered that the serotonergic network of the CNS is able to set the motor rhythm frequency of pharyngeal pumping. Pharmacological experiments verified that modulation of the feeding motor pattern is based on the release of serotonin. Classical lesion and laser based cell ablation indicated that the serotonergic neurons in the subesophageal zone represent a redundant network for motor control of larval food intake.

Source: Journal of Insect Physiology

DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2017.07.007

Authors: Andreas Schoofs, Sebastian Hückesfeld, Michael J. Pankratz

Institution: University of Bonn

Language: English

Topic: Neurobiology and Insect Physiology Research

Subfield: Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience

Field: Neuroscience

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,430

Funder: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft