Imaging live bee brains using minimally-invasive diagnostic radioentomology

Mark K Greco, J Tong, Manuchehr Soleimani, D Bell, M O Schäfer

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

21 Citations (SciVal)
282 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Sensitivity of the honey bee brain volume and density to behavior (plasticity) makes it a great model for exploring the interactions between experience, behavior and brain structure. Plasticity in the adult bee brain has been demonstrated in previous experiments. This experiment was conducted to identify the potentials and limitations of MicroCT scanning “live” bees as a more comprehensive, noninvasive method for brain morphology and physiology. Benchtop and synchrotron MicroCT were used to scan live bees. For improved tissue differentiation, bees were fed and injected with radiographic contrast. Images of Optic lobes, ocelli, antennal lobes and mushroom bodies were visualized in 2D and 3D rendering modes. Scanning of live bees (for the first time) enabled minimallyinvasive imaging of physiological processes such as passage of contrast from gut to haemolymph and preliminary brain perfusion studies. The use of CT for studying insects (collectively termed Diagnostic Radioentomology “DR”) is increasing. Our results indicate that it is feasible to observe plasticity of the honey bee brain “in vivo” using DR and that progressive, realtime observations of these changes can be followed in individual live bees. Limitations of live bee scanning such as movement errors and poor tissue differentiation were identified, however there is great potential for invivo, noninvasive DR imaging of the honey bee for brain morphology and physiology.
Original languageEnglish
Article number89
JournalJournal of Insect Science
Volume12
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2012

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Imaging live bee brains using minimally-invasive diagnostic radioentomology'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this