Meeting Abstract

P2.148  Monday, Jan. 5  Infuence of nicotine on physiology, development and behavior of Drosophila melanogaster WU, Wen-Hui*; HILL, J; COOPER, Robin; university of KY; university of KY; university of KY wuwenhui2@gmail.com

The effects of nicotine (NIC) on physiology, development and behavior of Drosophila were examined. The effects of nicotine, in a dose-dependent manner, in relation to larval body wall and mouth hook movements were quantified. Acute exposure to 0.1M reduced eating behavior substantial within 10 minutes with less of a reduction at 0.01M with no significant effect at 0.001M. Whereas a 24 Hr exposure showed some effects at all concentrations but in a dose dependent manner. Body wall movements were also substantially reduced at 0.1M with less of an effect at lower concentrations. The death rate of larval from 1st instar to pupation was enhanced in a dose-dependant manner 0.001M to 0.1M. In larvae, NIC also enhances the CNS motor unit drive in segmental roots. This enhancement is blocked by mecamylamine an antagonist to nicotinic receptors. We are currently performing learning assays on larval and adult Drosophila that have been exposed to various concentrations of nicotine and the nicotinic receptor blockers. The results allow one to analyze how sensory perception is brought about on the cellular and molecular level and the role of the nicotinic receptors in this system. To assess the effects of nicotine directly on the larval heart, the exposed heart was monitored without the CNS intact. [Support: G. Ribble Fellowship in Biology at Univ. KY (JH)]