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

该项目旨在深入研究昆虫的外周多极神经元（MNs），根据目前的知识水平，这些神经元具有独特的末端树突团（TDM）特征。此外，这类假定的热敏神经元显然直接投射到大脑的原大脑。人们感兴趣的焦点是嗜火的“火甲虫”Merimna atrata，迄今为止在昆虫中是独一无二的，它已经发育出了腹部红外受体。出于比较的原因，一种非嗜火甲虫也将被研究；不会飞的黑甲虫据推测，周围排列的MNs提供了一个内部热/红外感觉系统，迄今为止在昆虫中被忽视。本文将阐明位于触角、触须、腿以及腹胸骨上的皮下MNs是否直接投射到原大脑的特殊神经丘（如SVIP神经丘），这些神经丘被认为是昆虫大脑中额外的热敏中枢。此外，我们还将对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.