Electrophysiological Measurements from a Moth Olfactory System
Summary
Insect olfactory systems provide unique opportunities for recording odorant-induced responses in the forms of electroantennograms (EAG) and single sensillum recordings (SSR), which are summed responses from all odorant receptor neurons (ORNs) located on the antenna and from those housed in individual sensilla, respectively.
Abstract
Insect olfactory systems provide unique opportunities for recording odorant-induced responses in the forms of electroantennograms (EAG) and single sensillum recordings (SSR), which are summed responses from all odorant receptor neurons (ORNs) located on the antenna and from those housed in individual sensilla, respectively. These approaches have been exploited for getting a better understanding of insect chemical communication. The identified stimuli can then be used as either attractants or repellents in management strategies for insect pests.
Protocol
Discussion
This novel method developed for restraining a live navel orangeworm moth to measure olfactory signals has proved to be robust and very reliable. We routinely employ this method for isolating and identifying novel attractants from natural host substrates like almonds and pistachios.
Disclosures
The authors have nothing to disclose.
Acknowledgements
Supported by USDA-NIFA/AFRI 2010-65105-20582, NSF 0918177, and Bedoukian Research Incorporation.
Materials
| Material Name | Catalogue #/Model | Company | Comment |
| Microscope | BX51WI model | Olympus, USA | |
| Stereo microscope | MZ75 | Leica Microsystems Inc. USA | |
| 1.0 mm borosilicate capillary tubing with filament | 1B100F-3 | WPI Inc, FL | |
| Micropipette puller | P-97 | Sutter Instruments, CA | |
| Stimulus controller | CS-55 model | Syntech, Germany | |
| High Impedance pre-amplifiers (Universal Single ended probe) |
Syntech, Germany | ||
| Amplifier / data-acquisition system (USB-IDAC) | Syntech, Germany | ||
| EAG Micromanipulator MP-12 | Syntech, Germany | ||
| (Z,Z)-11,13-hexadecadienal | Bedoukian Research Inc, CT. | ||
| Whatman filter paper | 1001070 | Whatman USA | |
| 5 mL polypropylene syringe | 309633 | BD Syringes, NJ | |
| pipette tip (200 μL) | 1111-0806 | USA Scientific Inc | |
| 669 mL lunchbox,13 x 13 cm; height, 4.5 cm, | Rubbermaid | ||
| Thirsty Ultra Absorbent, 27.9 x 27.9 cm | Safeway | ||
| Non-drying clay | 18150 | Claytoon , Van Aken International, CA | |
| Environmental chamber | I-30BLL model |
References
- Kaissling, K. -. E., Thorson, J., Sattelle, D. B., Hall, L. M., Hildebrand, J. G. Insect olfactory sensilla: structural, chemical and electrical aspects of the functional organization. Receptors for Neurotransmitters. Hormones and Pheromones in Insects. , 261-282 (1980).
