Meeting Abstract
Fluoxetine, used as an antidepressant and anti-anxiety drug and branded as Prozac, Sarafem, and Rapiflux, is a common pharmaceutical contaminant in waterways. In this study the stalk eyed fly (Teleopsis dalmanni) was used to explore the possible impacts on insect behavior, morphology, and neurotransmitters by chronic exposure to fluoxetine. Fluoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) which increases the serotonin available to bind postsynaptic cells. Serotonin is a conserved biogenic monoamine found primarily in the central nervous system and enteric nervous system in both invertebrates and vertebrates. Serotonin influences such diverse processes as cognitive function, locomotion, and appetite. During the T. dalmanni larval stage, nutrient intake contributes to ultimate adult size. Adult males have significantly longer eyestalks than females, and males with greater eye-spans succeed more often in aggressive conflicts over resources. Serotonin mediates larval locomotion and light response in other dipterans, and brain serotonin levels play an important role in determining T. dalmanni contest outcomes. This study examined the influence of fluoxetine on T. dalmanni larvae and adults across behavioral, morphological and neurochemical measures. Larvae experienced chronic oral dosing of 0.2 mg/g fluoxetine or received control food lacking any drug. Third instar larvae locomotion and phototaxis were quantified. Adult eye-span, body length and locomotion were measured. Both larval and adult brain monoamine levels were analyzed. Results suggest that fluoxetine influences the development and behavior of T. dalmanni. These will be discussed in the context of the serotonergic system and the presence of pharmaceuticals in the environment.
