Meeting Abstract

P2.158  Monday, Jan. 5  The Effects of Serotonin on Circadian Pattern and Behaviors in Drosophila COOPER, Ann S.; University of KY asc1029@hotmail.com

It is established that adult Drosophila show circadian patterns that are regulated by gene expression. Circadian cycles in adults can be induced and set by exposure to light as early as the embryo stage without any circadian patterns evident throughout the larval stages. Serotonin is known to have a role in circadian patterns in adult Drosophila as well as many other species. In this study, I addressed if the maintenance of the circadian pattern throughout the larval stages can be modulated by altering the serotonin expression levels in the larva. To approach this I exposed larvae, at various stages, to a drug (p-CPA, 10mg/ml of food) that blocks the synthesis of serotonin and then examined circadian patterns in adults. Adults were tested on 12:12 light:dark cycle and then in continuous darkness. Adult and larval locomotive behaviors were also examined for effects of p-CPA. In order to measure circadian activity patterns I built a device to measure activity of adults as individuals and groups. The results of feeding larvae p-CPA led to a more distinctive circadian pattern, which was contrary to my hypothesis. As adults, the p-CPA fed larvae showed a slower climbing response to light (p<0.05, n=15, T-test). Associative learning assays in larvae showed that p-CPA consumption improved learning. In summary, p-CPA fed larvae had altered circadian patterns and behaviors as adults and larvae. (Funding was provided by Kentucky Young Researchers Program at the University of Kentucky (A.S.C.). Equipment was borrowed from Science Alliance which is part of Partnership Institute for Math and Science Education Reform (PIMSER) Univ. of KY.)