Pigment-Dispersing Factor-expressing neurons convey circadian information in the honey bee brain.

摘要: Pigment-Dispersing Factor (PDF) is an important neuropeptide in the brain circadian network of Drosophila and other insects, but its role bees which clock influences complex behaviour not well understood. We combined high-resolution neuroanatomical characterizations, quantification PDF levels over day injections synthetic peptide to study honey bee Apis mellifera show that co-localizes with protein Period (PER) a cluster laterally located neurons widespread arborizations these PER/PDF are close vicinity PER-positive cells (neurons glia). PDF-immunostaining intensity oscillates diurnal manner possible for age or worker task on synchrony oscillations different areas. Finally, injection into area between optic lobes central at end subjective produced consistent trend phase-delayed rhythms locomotor activity. Altogether, results hypothesis neuromodulator conveys information from pacemaker centres involved diverse functions including locomotion, time memory sun-compass orientation.