Responses of individual antennal olfactory cells of tsetse flies (Glossina m. morsitans) to phenols from cattle urine |
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Authors: | C J DEN OTTER W M VAN DER GOES VAN NATERS |
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Institution: | Sensory Physiology Group, Department of Animal Physiology, University of Groningen, The Netherlands |
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Abstract: | Abstract. Action potentials from olfactory cells in antennae (funiculi) of living tsetse flies, Glossina morsitans morsitans Westwood, were recorded using a surface-contact technique. Stimuli were the vapours of the seven alkylphenols identified in cattle urine: phenol, 3-methyl-, 3-ethyl-, 3- n -propyl-, 4-methyl-, 4-ethyl-, and 4- n -propylphenol. In addition, responses to the vapours of 1-octen-3-ol, acetone and dichloromethane were recorded. The phenol-sensitive cells could be grouped into four subclasses. Subclass, 1, 2 and 3 cells responded to the phenols only, cells of subclass 1 and 2 being activated by these substances, those of subclass 3 inhibited. Cells of subclass 4 were activated to a similar degree by all phenols and by one or more of the other chemicals tested. Subclass 1 cells were strongly activated by the 3-alkylphenols, whereas subclass 2 cells were most sensitive to 4-methylphenol. Subclass 3 cells were most strongly inhibited by phenol, and 3- and 4-methylphenol. The results suggest that though individual phenols may be attractive to G. m. morsitans , preference for certain blends of phenols may exist; for example, blends composed of moderate doses of 4-methylphenol and 3-methyl-, 3-ethyl- or 3- n -propylphenol. |
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Keywords: | Tsetse Glossina morsitans morsitans single cell olfaction antenna host odour phenols |
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