TY  - JOUR
A1  - Thamm, Markus
A1  - Rolke, Daniel
A1  - Jordan, Nadine
A1  - Balfanz, Sabine
A1  - Schiffer, Christian
A1  - Baumann, Arnd
A1  - Blenau, Wolfgang
T1  - Function and distribution of 5-HT2 receptors in the honeybee (apis mellifera)
JF  - PLoS one
N2  - Background: Serotonin plays a pivotal role in regulating and modulating physiological and behavioral processes in both vertebrates and invertebrates. In the honeybee (Apis mellifera), serotonin has been implicated in division of labor, visual processing, and learning processes. Here, we present the cloning, heterologous expression, and detailed functional and pharmacological characterization of two honeybee 5-HT2 receptors.
 Methods: Honeybee 5-HT2 receptor cDNAs were amplified from brain cDNA. Recombinant cell lines were established constitutively expressing receptor variants. Pharmacological properties of the receptors were investigated by Ca2+ imaging experiments. Quantitative PCR was applied to explore the expression patterns of receptor mRNAs.
 Results: The honeybee 5-HT2 receptor class consists of two subtypes, Am5-HT2 alpha and Am5-HT2 beta. Each receptor gene also gives rise to alternatively spliced mRNAs that possibly code for truncated receptors. Only activation of the full-length receptors with serotonin caused an increase in the intracellular Ca2+ concentration. The effect was mimicked by the agonists 5-methoxytryptamine and 8-OH-DPAT at low micromolar concentrations. Receptor activities were blocked by established 5-HT receptor antagonists such as clozapine, methiothepin, or mianserin. High transcript numbers were detected in exocrine glands suggesting that 5-HT2 receptors participate in secretory processes in the honeybee.
 Conclusions: This study marks the first molecular and pharmacological characterization of two 5-HT2 receptor subtypes in the same insect species. The results presented should facilitate further attempts to unravel central and peripheral effects of serotonin mediated by these receptors.
Y1  - 2013
U6  - https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0082407
SN  - 1932-6203
VL  - 8
IS  - 12
PB  - PLoS
CY  - San Fransisco
ER  -