Neural circuits for long-term water-reward memory processing in thirsty Drosophila.

ABSTRACT: The intake of water is important for the survival of all animals and drinking water can be used as a reward in thirsty animals. Here we found that thirsty Drosophila melanogaster can associate drinking water with an odour to form a protein-synthesis-dependent water-reward long-term memory (LTM). Furthermore, we found that the reinforcement of LTM requires water-responsive dopaminergic neurons projecting to the restricted region of mushroom body (MB) ?' lobe, which are different from the neurons required for the reinforcement of learning and short-term memory (STM). Synaptic output from ?'?' neurons is required for consolidation, whereas the output from ? and ?? neurons is required for the retrieval of LTM. Finally, two types of MB efferent neurons retrieve LTM from ? and ?? neurons by releasing glutamate and acetylcholine, respectively. Our results therefore cast light on the cellular and molecular mechanisms responsible for processing water-reward LTM in Drosophila.

SUBMITTER: Shyu WH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5440665 | biostudies-literature | 2017 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature