TY - JOUR
T1 - Imaging live bee brains using minimally-invasive diagnostic radioentomology
AU - Greco, Mark K
AU - Tong, J
AU - Soleimani, Manuchehr
AU - Bell, D
AU - Schäfer, M O
PY - 2012
Y1 - 2012
N2 - 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.
AB - 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.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84874081801&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://www.insectscience.org/12.89
UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.1673/031.012.8901
U2 - 10.1673/031.012.8901
DO - 10.1673/031.012.8901
M3 - Article
VL - 12
JO - Journal of Insect Science
JF - Journal of Insect Science
M1 - 89
ER -