Taste receptor neurones inducing extension of the proboscis in heliothne moths

We are studying how olfactory and taste information is encoded in receptor and interneurones in the brain of insects and how learning of odours is realised via synapses of neurones connecting different brain compartments. As model organisms are used moths of the subfamily Heliothinae. In the present dr. scient. project the intention is to determine, by electrophysiological method, the specificity of the receptor neurones in the taste organs (sensilla chaetica) on the antennae of heliothine moths. T his implies also to find out which compounds might be detected in contact with the plants. The compounds eliciting activity in the different neurones will be tested behaviourally on the proboscis extension reflex and as unconditioned stimuli in classical conditioning to odours. The idea is that phagostimulants will elicit extension whereas deterrents may inhibit extension. The second part of the project involves staining of the taste receptor neurones on the antennae, with the aim to