The effects of the general anaesthetic isoflurane on the honey bee (Apis mellifera) circadian clock |
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Authors: | Nicola M Ludin James F Cheeseman Alan F Merry Craig D Millar |
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Institution: | 1. Department of Anaesthesiology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand;2. Allan Wilson Centre for Molecular Ecology and Evolution, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand. |
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Abstract: | General anaesthesia administered during the day has previously been shown to phase shift the honey bee clock. We describe a phase response curve for honey bees (n=105) to six hour isoflurane anaesthesia. The honey bee isoflurane PRC is “weak” with a delay portion (maximum shift of –1.88 hours, circadian time 0 – 3) but no advance zone. The isoflurane-induced shifts observed here are in direct opposition to those of light. Furthermore, concurrent administration of light and isoflurane abolishes the shifts that occur with isoflurane alone. Light may thus provide a means of reducing isoflurane–induced phase shifts. |
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Keywords: | Phase response curve non-photic Zeitgeber light phase shift |
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