Contribution of different bitter-sensitive taste cells to feeding inhibition in a caterpillar (Manduca sexta).
Many compounds that taste bitter to humans also inhibit feeding in insects. Caterpillars (e.g., Manduca sexta) detect these compounds with a few bitter-sensitive taste cells. This study examined the role of these taste cells in feeding inhibition. Behavioral studies demonstrated that 3 bitter compounds (caffeine, salicin, and aristolochic acid) all inhibited feeding rapidly in Manduca sexta. Electrophysiological studies revealed that each pair of bitter-sensitive taste cell differs in responsiveness to the bitter compounds. Ablation studies indicated that (a) those pairs of bitter-sensitive taste cells that responded vigorously to a particular bitter compound were sufficient to inhibit feeding on diets containing the same compound, but that (b) no pair of bitter-sensitive taste cells was necessary for inhibiting feeding. Thus, the different pairs of bitter-sensitive taste cells appear to make partially redundant contributions to feeding inhibition.
Glendinning
J I
JI
Department of Biological Science, Barnard College, Columbia University, New York, New York 10027, USA. jglendinning@barnard.edu
Tarre
M
M
Asaoka
K
K
D000818:Animals; D002468:Cell Physiological Phenomena; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000502:physiology*; D007266:Inhibition, Psychological; D007313:Insecta; D018402:Manduca / Q000502:physiology*; D013649:Taste / Q000502:physiology*