Physiological specialization of the brain in bumble bee castes: Roles of dopamine in mating-related behaviors in female bumble bees.

ABSTRACT: We aimed to investigate the roles of dopamine in regulating caste-specific behaviors in bumble bees and mating-related behaviors in bumble bee gynes. We examined caste differences in behaviors, biogenic amine levels, and expression levels of genes encoding dopamine receptors in the brains of bumble bees, and analyzed the effects of dopamine-related drugs on bumble bee behavior. Locomotor and flight activities were significantly higher in 8-day-old gynes and light avoidance was significantly lower in 4-8-day-old gynes than in same-aged workers. Brain levels of dopamine and octopamine were significantly higher in 8-day-old gynes than in same-aged workers, but tyramine and serotonin levels did not differ between the castes. Relative expression levels of the dopamine receptor gene BigDop1 were

SUBMITTER: Morigami A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10936820 | biostudies-literature | 2024

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature