Physiology and central projections of putative thermosensitive multipolar neurons in the 'Australian Firebeetle' Merimna atrata: solving the processing of peripheral temperature information in the insect brain

这项拟议的项目旨在对昆虫的外周多极神经元(MN)进行彻底的调查，根据目前的知识状况，这些MN的特征是一种独特的终末树突状物质(TDM)。此外，这类假定的温度敏感神经元显然直接投射到大脑的前脑。人们感兴趣的焦点是嗜热的“火甲虫”Merimna atrata，它是迄今为止在昆虫中独一无二的，它已经发育出腹部的红外线感受器。出于比较的原因，还将调查一种非嗜热甲虫；不会飞的深色甲虫Zobobas mori。据推测，外围排列的MN提供了一种迄今在昆虫中被忽视的内部温度/红外感觉系统。位于触角、膝瓣、腿和腹部胸骨上的皮下MN是否直接投射到原大脑的特殊神经髓(如SVIP神经束)，这被认为是昆虫大脑中额外的温度敏感中心。此外，还将对MNS的生理和超微结构进行研究。

The proposed project aims at a thorough investigation on peripheral multipolar neurons (MNs) in insects that - according to the current state of knowledge - are characterized by an unique terminal dendritic mass (TDM). Additionally, this class of putative thermosensitive neurons obviously project directly into the protocerebrum of the brain. In the focus of interest is the pyrophilous 'firebeetle' Merimna atrata that - so far unique in insects - has developed abdominal infrared receptors. For comparative reasons a non-pyrophilous beetle will also be investigated; the flightless darkling beetle Zophobas mori. It is hypothesized that the peripherally arranged MNs provide an internal thermo- / infrared-sensory system so far overlooked in insects. It will be elucidated if the subcuticular MNs located in the antennae, lapial palps, legs, and additionally on the abdominal sternites in Merimna atrata project directly into special neuropils of the protocerebrum (e. g. the SVIP neuropil) presumed to represent additional thermosensitive centers in the insect brain. Furthermore, the physiology and ultrastructure of the MNs will be investigated.