Behavioural response in model insect under biological and chemical stress condition
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| Year of publication | 2019 |
| Type | Conference abstract |
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| Description | Drosophila melanogaster and Galleria mellonella are among the most widespread model organisms used in various fields of research. For behaviour research a new method called FIMTrack was developed to simplify the collection and processing of locomotor data. It is based on frustrated total internal reflection and allows us to observe groups of larvae crawling on the translucent agar gel. FIMTrack was used to evaluate the behaviour of Drosophila larvae during infection with entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN). We observed some differences in velocity, bending, rolling and twisting in attempt to avoid the contact with nematodes. When enabled to choose, the larvae preferred the safer route without EPN implying they can sense the pathogen presence and avoid them intentionally. Larvae can also distinguish between EPN and non pathogenic nematodes (Caenorhabditis elegans). Thanks to FIMTrack, we were able to observe the evasive behavioural patterns of Drosophila larvae with great resolution in real time. We also used FIMTrack for description of reversible paralysis in Galleria mellonella larvae after being force fed caffeine. The peak of paralysis corresponds to peak of theophylline, one of the caffeine metabolite, in haemolymph. This study was supported by grant No. 17-03253S from the Czech Science Foundation and Carl Tryggers Foundation CST 16:474. |
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