Nociceptive neurons protect Drosophila larvae from parasitoid wasps.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Natural selection has resulted in a complex and fascinating repertoire of innate behaviors that are produced by insects. One puzzling example occurs in fruit fly larvae that have been subjected to a noxious mechanical or thermal sensory input. In response, the larvae "roll" with a motor pattern that is completely distinct from the style of locomotion that is used for foraging.

Results

We have precisely mapped the sensory neurons that are used by the Drosophila larvae to detect nociceptive stimuli. By using complementary optogenetic activation and targeted silencing of sensory neurons, we have demonstrated that a single class of neuron (class IV multidendritic neuron) is sufficient and necessary for triggering the unusual rolling behavior. In addition, we find that

SUBMITTER: Hwang RY 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2225350 | biostudies-literature | 2007 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature