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  -