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

拟议的项目旨在彻底调查昆虫的外周多极神经元（MN），根据目前的知识水平，其特征是独特的终端树突状细胞（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中。人们感兴趣的焦点是嗜火的“火甲虫”Merimna atrata，它在昆虫中是独一无二的，已经发展出腹部红外线受体。由于比较的原因，一种不喜火的甲虫也将被调查;不会飞的黑暗甲虫Zophobas mori。据推测，外周排列的MNs提供了一个内部的热/红外线的感觉系统，迄今为止被忽视的昆虫。将阐明位于触角，唇须，腿，并在腹部胸骨上的Merimna atrata的表皮下MN直接投射到特殊的神经末梢的前脑（e. G. SVIP神经元），推测其代表昆虫脑中的额外热敏中心。此外，MN的生理和超微结构将进行研究。

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.