Abstract:
The temperature sensitive nature of a mutation in the
Cacophony gene, which codes for the alpha subunit in the voltage-gated
Ca2+ channel, reduces Ca2+ influx when exposed to
non-permissive temperatures. We investigated the subtle nature in the
impact for this mutation on whole animal function, in regards to learning
and memory, in larvae and adults. The effects in acutely reducing evoked
Ca2+ influx in nerve terminals during various behavioural assays
greatly decreased the ability of larval Drosophila to learn, as
demonstrated in associative learning assays. These assays are based on
olfaction and gustation with association to light or dark environments
with negative reinforces. Adult flies also showed defects in olfaction
and sense of light when the animal is acutely depressed in normal Ca2+
influx within the nervous system. We demonstrated that this particular
mutation does not alter cardiac function acutely. Thus, implying that
the alpha 1 subunit mutation which retards neuronal function is not relevant
for the pace maker and cardiac contractility as indexed by heart rate.
Nicolas H. Badre and Robin L. Cooper, 2008. Reduced Calcium Channel Function in Drosophila Disrupts Associative Learning in Larva and Behavior in Adults. International Journal of Zoological Research, 4: 152-164.
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