Presentation Details
| Infected Behaviors- Honey Bee As A Model For Infection Associated Cognitive Decline Studies Meenakshi Vengarai1, Cecelia Huntress2, Mallory Hagadorn1, Prashantbhai D.Kunjadiya3, Katie R.Brooker1, Clare Rittschof1. 1University of Kentucky MG-CAFE, Lexington, Kentucky, USA.2Lehigh University College of Arts & Sciences, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, USA.3University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky, USA |
Abstract
Altered behaviors in response to pathogen and parasite infections are observed across the animal kingdom, from the fungal manipulation of ant behavior to the loss of innate predator fear in Toxoplasma gondii infected mice. Cognitive impairment presenting during “sickness behavior” arises from genetic, age, and environmental stressor interactions. Although outcomes vary across species, changes in conserved neurocircuitry and neurometabolic pathways are seen in both invertebrates and vertebrates. We used a well-established cognition model, honey bees (Apis mellifera L.) to investigate mechanisms linking infection to cognitive decline. We induced systemic infection via yeast injection in random-aged and old (35-day) foragers. Learning was assessed using olfactory conditioning via the proboscis extension response (PER). We evaluated neuronal metabolism through mitochondrial respiration assays, mitochondrial superoxide imaging, and untargeted lipidomics. Results show reduced learning in infected older foragers and reduced mitochondrial respiration (State IV) in older bee brains, with infection effects modulated by genotype and season.
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No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author.
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