TY  - JOUR
A1  - Thamm, Markus
A1  - Balfanz, Sabine
A1  - Scheiner, Richarda
A1  - Baumann, Arnd
A1  - Blenau, Wolfgang
T1  - Characterization of the 5-HT1A receptor of the honeybee (Apis mellifera) and involvement of serotonin in phototactic behavior
N2  - Serotonin plays a key role in modulating various physiological and behavioral processes in both protostomes and deuterostomes. The vast majority of serotonin receptors belong to the superfamily of G-protein-coupled receptors. We report the cloning of a cDNA from the honeybee (Am5-ht1A) sharing high similarity with members of the 5-HT1 receptor class. Activation of Am5-HT1A by serotonin inhibited the production of cAMP in a dose-dependent manner (EC50 = 16.9 nM). Am5-HT1A was highly expressed in brain regions known to be involved in visual information processing. Using in vivo pharmacology, we could demonstrate that Am5-HT1A receptor ligands had a strong impact on the phototactic behavior of individual bees. The data presented here mark the first comprehensive study-from gene to behavior-of a 5-HT1A receptor in the honeybee, paving the way for the eventual elucidation of additional roles of this receptor subtype in the physiology and behavior of this social insect.
Y1  - 2010
UR  - http://www.springerlink.com/content/101193
U6  - https://doi.org/10.1007/s00018-010-0350-6
SN  - 1420-682X
ER  - 
TY  - JOUR
A1  - Thamm, Markus
A1  - Schmidt, Stephanie L.
A1  - Bernhard, Detlef
T1  - Insights into the phylogeny of the genus stentor (heterotrichea, ciliophora) with special emphasis on the evolution of the macronucleus based on SSU rDNA data
N2  - Representatives of the genus Stentor (Stentoridae, Heterotrichea) are striking ciliates in environmental water samples because of their size (up to 4 mm) and their trumpet-like shape. Important for species identification are the following main characteristics: (1) the presence or absence of endosymbiotic algae (zoochlorellae); (2) the colour of the pigmented cortical granules, and (3) the shape of the macronucleus. The complete small subunit rDNA (SSU rDNA) of 19 further representatives of the genus Stentor was sequenced to examine the phylogenetic relationships within this genus and to determine the taxonomic value of these main characteristics. The detailed phylogenetic analyses yielded a separation of all species possessing a single compact macronucleus from those species with an "elongated" macronucleus (moniliform or vermiform). The data also indicate that the uptake of algae as well as the loss of pigmentation happened independently in different lineages. Furthermore, a high level of intraspecific variation within several species was found. Thus, S. muelleri and S. (sp.) cf. katashimai appear to represent distinct species and S. multiformis is composed of a species complex.
Y1  - 2010
UR  - http://www1.nencki.gov.pl/ap-archive.htm
SN  - 0065-1583
ER  -