Density-dependent phase polymorphism affects response to adipokinetic hormone in Locusta

Low Glycolysis Is Neuroprotective during Anoxic Spreading Depolarization (SD) and Reoxygenation in Locusts

Migratory locusts enter a reversible hypometabolic coma to survive environmental anoxia, wherein the cessation of CNS activity is driven by spreading depolarization (SD). While glycolysis is recognized as a crucial anaerobic energy source contributing to animal anoxia tolerance, its influence on the anoxic SD trajectory and recovery outcomes remains poorly understood. We investigated the effects of varying glycolytic capacity on adult female locust anoxic SD parameters, using glucose or the glycolytic inhibitors 2-deoxy-d-glucose (2DG) or monosodium iodoacetate (MIA). Surprisingly, 2DG treatment shared similarities with glucose yet had opposite effects compared with MIA. Specifically, although SD onset was not affected, both glucose and 2DG expedited the recovery of CNS electrical activity during reoxygenation, whereas MIA delayed it. Additionally, glucose and MIA, but not 2DG, increased tissue damage and neural cell death following anoxia-reoxygenation. Notably, glucose-induced injuries were associated with heightened CO2 output during the early phase of reoxygenation. Conversely, 2DG resulted in a bimodal response, initially dampening CO2 output and gradually increasing it throughout the recovery period. Given the discrepancies between effects of 2DG and MIA, the current results require cautious interpretations. Nonetheless, our findings present evidence that glycolysis is not a critical metabolic component in either anoxic SD onset or recovery and that heightened glycolysis during reoxygenation may exacerbate CNS injuries. Furthermore, we suggest that locust anoxic recovery is not solely dependent on energy availability, and the regulation of metabolic flux during early reoxygenation may constitute a strategy to mitigate damage.

Non-canonical function of an Hif-1α splice variant contributes to the sustained flight of locusts

The hypoxia inducible factor (Hif) pathway is functionally conserved across metazoans in modulating cellular adaptations to hypoxia. However, the functions of this pathway under aerobic physiological conditions are rarely investigated. Here, we show that Hif-1α2, a locust Hif-1α isoform, does not induce canonical hypoxic responses but functions as a specific regulator of locust flight, which is a completely aerobic physiological process. Two Hif-1α splice variants were identified in locusts, a ubiquitously expressed Hif-1α1 and a muscle-predominantly expressed Hif-1α2. Hif-1α1 that induces typical hypoxic responses upon hypoxia exposure remains inactive during flight. By contrast, the expression of Hif-1α2, which lacks C-terminal transactivation domain, is less sensitive to oxygen tension but induced extensively by flying. Hif-1α2 regulates physiological processes involved in glucose metabolism and antioxidation during flight and sustains flight endurance by maintaining redox homeostasis through upregulating the production of a reactive oxygen species (ROS) quencher, DJ-1. Overall, this study reveals a novel Hif-mediated mechanism underlying prolonged aerobic physiological activity.

Neuroendocrinal and molecular basis of flight performance in locusts

Insect flight is a complex physiological process that involves sensory and neuroendocrinal control, efficient energy metabolism, rhythmic muscle contraction, and coordinated wing movement. As a classical study model for insect flight, locusts have attracted much attention from physiologists, behaviorists, and neuroendocrinologists over the past decades. In earlier research, scientists made extensive efforts to explore the hormone regulation of metabolism related to locust flight; however, this work was hindered by the absence of molecular and genetic tools. Recently, the rapid development of molecular and genetic tools as well as multi-omics has greatly advanced our understanding of the metabolic, molecular, and neuroendocrinal basis of long-term flight in locusts. Novel neural and molecular factors modulating locust flight and their regulatory mechanisms have been explored. Moreover, the molecular mechanisms underlying phase-dependent differences in locust flight have also been revealed. Here, we provide a systematic review of locust flight physiology, with emphasis on recent advances in the neuroendocrinal, genetic, and molecular basis. Future research directions and potential challenges are also addressed.

Rapid cold hardening delays the onset of anoxia-induced coma via an octopaminergic pathway in Locusta migratoria

Rapid cold hardening (RCH) is a short-term hormesis that occurs in many invertebrate species, especially in insects. Although RCH is best known as enhancing cold tolerance, it can also enhance anoxic tolerance. When exposed to prolonged anoxia, insects enter a reversible coma, which is associated with spreading depolarization (SD) in the central nervous system (CNS). In this study, we investigated the effects of RCH and octopamine (OA) on anoxia-induced SD in L. migratoria. OA is an insect stress hormone that has roles in many physiological processes. Thus, we hypothesized that OA is involved in the mechanism of RCH. First, we found that RCH affects the K⁺ sensitivity of the locust blood brain barrier (BBB) in a way similar to the previously described effects of OA. Next, using SD as an indicator of anoxia-induced coma, we took a pharmacological approach to investigate the effects of OA and epinastine (EP), an octopaminergic receptor (OctR) antagonist. We found that OA mimics, whereas EP blocks, the effect of RCH on anoxia-induced SD. This study demonstrates that OA is involved in the mechanism of RCH in delaying the onset of anoxia-induced locust coma and contributes to determining the mechanism of RCH that modulates insect stress tolerances.

Locust density shapes energy metabolism and oxidative stress resulting in divergence of flight traits

Migratory locusts display striking phenotypical plasticity. Gregarious locusts at high density can migrate long distances and cause huge economic losses of crops. By contrast, solitary locusts at low density have limited ability in long-distance flight. However, the mechanisms underlying such flight capacity variation are poorly understood. Here, we found that the flight muscle of solitary locusts has a higher catabolic capacity that is associated with greater reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation during high-velocity flights. By contrast, a relatively lower catabolic capacity in gregarious locusts is associated with lower ROS generation during long-distance flights. This finding uncovers the metabolic mechanism of locust flight trait alteration in response to density changes and enhances our understanding of the biological processes enabling locust migration.

Flight ability is essential for the enormous diversity and evolutionary success of insects. The migratory locusts exhibit flight capacity plasticity in gregarious and solitary individuals closely linked with different density experiences. However, the differential mechanisms underlying flight traits of locusts are largely unexplored. Here, we investigated the variation of flight capacity by using behavioral, physiological, and multiomics approaches. Behavioral assays showed that solitary locusts possess high initial flight speeds and short-term flight, whereas gregarious locusts can fly for a longer distance at a relatively lower speed. Metabolome–transcriptome analysis revealed that solitary locusts have more active flight muscle energy metabolism than gregarious locusts, whereas gregarious locusts show less evidence of reactive oxygen species production during flight. The repression of metabolic activity by RNA interference markedly reduced the initial flight speed of solitary locusts. Elevating the oxidative stress by paraquat injection remarkably inhibited the long-distance flight of gregarious locusts. In respective crowding and isolation treatments, energy metabolic profiles and flight traits of solitary and gregarious locusts were reversed, indicating that the differentiation of flight capacity depended on density and can be reshaped rapidly. The density-dependent flight traits of locusts were attributed to the plasticity of energy metabolism and degree of oxidative stress production but not energy storage. The findings provided insights into the mechanism underlying the trade-off between velocity and sustainability in animal locomotion and movement.

Collective motion as a distinct behavioral state of the individual

The collective motion of swarms depends on adaptations at the individual level. We explored these and their effects on swarm formation and maintenance in locusts. The walking kinematics of individual insects were monitored under laboratory settings, before, as well as during collective motion in a group, and again after separation from the group. It was found that taking part in collective motion induced in the individual unique behavioral kinematics, suggesting the existence of a distinct behavioral mode that we term a "collective-motion-state." This state, characterized by behavioral adaptation to the social context, is long lasting, not induced by crowding per se, but only by experiencing collective motion. Utilizing computational models, we show that this adaptability increases the robustness of the swarm. Overall, our findings suggest that collective motion is not only an emergent property of the group but also depends on a behavioral mode, rooted in endogenous mechanisms of the individual.

Inhibition of ATP-sensitive potassium channels exacerbates anoxic coma in Locusta migratoria

We demonstrate the involvement of ATP-sensitive K+ (KATP) channels during recovery from spreading depolarization (SD) induced via anoxic coma in locusts. KATP inhibition using glybenclamide impaired ion homeostasis across the blood-brain barrier, resulting in a longer time to recovery of transperineurial potential following SD. Comparison with ouabain indicates that the effects of glybenclamide are not mediated by the Na+/K+-ATPase but are a result of KATP channel inhibition.

Chilling induces unidirectional solute leak through the locust gut epithelia

Chill-susceptible insects, like the migratory locust, often die when exposed to low temperatures from an accumulation of tissue damage that is unrelated to freezing (chilling injury). Chilling injury is often associated with a loss of ion balance across the gut epithelia. It has recently been suggested that this imbalance is at least partly caused by a cold-induced disruption of epithelial barrier function. Here, we aimed to test this hypothesis in the migratory locust (Locustamigratoria). First, chill tolerance was quantified by exposing locusts to -2°C and recording chill coma recovery time and survival 24 h post-cold exposure. Longer exposure times significantly increased recovery time and caused injury and death. Ion-selective microelectrodes were also used to test for a loss of ion balance in the cold. We found a significant increase of haemolymph K+ and decrease of haemolymph Na+ concentration over time. Next, barrier failure along the gut was tested by monitoring the movement of an epithelial barrier marker (FITC-dextran) across the gut epithelia during exposure to -2°C. We found a significant increase in haemolymph FITC-dextran concentration over time in the cold when assayed in the mucosal to serosal direction. However, when tested in the serosal to mucosal direction, we saw minimal marker movement across the gut epithelia. This suggests that while cold-induced barrier disruption is present, it is apparently unidirectional. It is important to note that these data reveal only the phenomenon itself. The location of this leak as well as the underlying mechanisms remain unclear and require further investigation.

Role of adenosine in functional recovery following anoxic coma in Locusta migratoria

When exposed to prolonged anoxia insects enter a reversible coma during which neural and muscular systems temporarily shut down. Nervous system shut down is a result of spreading depolarization throughout neurons and glial cells. Upon return to normoxia, recovery occurs following the restoration of ion gradients. However, there is a delay in the functional recovery of synaptic transmission following membrane repolarization. In mammals, the build-up of extracellular adenosine following spreading depolarization contributes to this delay. Adenosine accumulation is a marker of metabolic stress and it has many downstream effects through the activation of adenosine receptors, including the inhibition of cAMP production. Here we demonstrate that adenosine lengthens the time to functional recovery following anoxic coma in locusts. Caffeine, used as an adenosine receptor antagonist, decreased the time to recovery in intact animals and lengthened the time to recovery in semi-intact animals. A cAMP inhibitor, NKH 477, delayed recovery time in male animals. Our results show that the rate of recovery in insect systems is affected by the presence of adenosine.

Dynamics of bacterial composition in the locust reproductive tract are affected by the density-dependent phase

The important role that locust gut bacteria play in their host biology is well accepted. Among other roles, gut bacteria are suggested to be involved in the locust swarming phenomenon. In addition, in many insect orders, the reproductive system is reported to serve as a vector for trans-generation bacterial inoculation. Knowledge of the bacterial composition of the locust reproductive tract is, however, practically absent. Here we characterized the reproductive system bacterial composition of gregarious and solitary females. We investigated its temporal dynamics and how it interacts with the locust phase, by comparative sampling and 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. We revealed that the bacterial composition of the locust female reproductive tract is mostly constructed of three core genera: Micrococcus, Acinetobacter and Staphylococcus. While solitary females maintained a consistent bacterial composition, in the gregarious phase this consortium demonstrated large temporal shifts, mostly manifested by Brevibacterium blooms. These data are in accord with our previous report on the dynamics of locust hindgut bacterial microbiota, further indicating that locust endosymbionts are affected by their host population density. These newly understood dynamics may have implications beyond their contribution to our knowledge of locust ecology, as aggregation and mass migration are prevalent phenomena across many migrating animals.

Rapid cold hardening and octopamine modulate chill tolerance in Locusta migratoria

Temperature has profound effects on the neural function and behaviour of insects. When exposed to low temperature, chill-susceptible insects enter chill coma, a reversible state of neuromuscular paralysis. Despite the popularity of studying the effects of low temperature on insects, we know little about the physiological mechanisms controlling the entry to, and recovery from, chill coma. Spreading depolarization (SD) is a phenomenon that causes a neural shutdown in the central nervous system (CNS) and it is associated with a loss of K⁺ homeostasis in the CNS. Here, we investigated the effects of rapid cold hardening (RCH) on chill tolerance of the migratory locust. With an implanted thermocouple in the thorax, we determined the temperature associated with a loss of responsiveness (i.e. the critical thermal minimum - CT_min) in intact male adult locusts. In parallel experiments, we recorded field potential (FP) in the metathoracic ganglion (MTG) of semi-intact preparations to determine the temperature that would induce neural shutdown. We found that SD in the CNS causes a loss of coordinated movement immediately prior to chill coma and RCH reduces the temperature that evokes neural shutdown. Additionally, we investigated a role for octopamine (OA) in the locust chill tolerance and found that OA reduces the CT_min and mimics the effects of prior stress (anoxia) in locust.

RNA-Seq reveals large quantitative differences between the transcriptomes of outbreak and non-outbreak locusts

Outbreaks of locust populations repeatedly devastate economies and ecosystems in large parts of the world. The consequent behavioural shift from solitarious to gregarious and the concomitant changes in the locusts' biology are of relevant scientific interest. Yet, research on the main locust species has not benefitted from recent advances in genomics. In this first RNA-Seq study on Schistocerca gregaria, we report two transcriptomes, including many novel genes, as well as differential gene expression results. In line with the large biological differences between solitarious and gregarious locusts, almost half of the transcripts are differentially expressed between their central nervous systems. Most of these transcripts are over-expressed in the gregarious locusts, suggesting positive correlations between the levels of activity at the population, individual, tissue and gene expression levels. We group these differentially expressed transcripts by gene function and highlight those that are most likely to be associated with locusts' phase change either in a species-specific or general manner. Finally, we discuss our findings in the context of population-level and physiological events leading to gregariousness.

Octopamine stabilizes conduction reliability of an unmyelinated axon during hypoxic stress

Mechanisms that could mitigate the effects of hypoxia on neuronal signaling are incompletely understood. We show that axonal performance of a locust visual interneuron varied depending on oxygen availability. To induce hypoxia, tracheae supplying the thoracic nervous system were surgically lesioned and action potentials in the axon of the descending contralateral movement detector (DCMD) neuron passing through this region were monitored extracellularly. The conduction velocity and fidelity of action potentials decreased throughout a 45-min experiment in hypoxic preparations, whereas conduction reliability remained constant when the tracheae were left intact. The reduction in conduction velocity was exacerbated for action potentials firing at high instantaneous frequencies. Bath application of octopamine mitigated the loss of conduction velocity and fidelity. Action potential conduction was more vulnerable in portions of the axon passing through the mesothoracic ganglion than in the connectives between ganglia, indicating that hypoxic modulation of the extracellular environment of the neuropil has an important role to play. In intact locusts, octopamine and its antagonist, epinastine, had effects on the entry to, and recovery from, anoxic coma consistent with octopamine increasing overall neural performance during hypoxia. These effects could have functional relevance for the animal during periods of environmental or activity-induced hypoxia.

Discontinuous gas-exchange cycle characteristics are differentially affected by hydration state and energy metabolism in gregarious and solitary desert locusts

The termination of discontinuous gas exchange cycles (DGCs) in severely dehydrated insects casts doubt on the generality of the hygric hypothesis, which posits that DGCs evolved as a water conservation mechanism. We followed DGC characteristics in the two density-dependent phases of the desert locust Schistocerca gregaria throughout exposure to an experimental treatment of combined dehydration and starvation stress, and subsequent rehydration. We hypothesized that, under stressful conditions, the more stress-resistant gregarious locusts would maintain DGCs longer than solitary locusts. However, we found no phase-specific variations in body water content, water loss rates (total and respiratory) or timing of stress-induced abolishment of DGCs. Likewise, locusts of both phases re-employed DGCs after ingesting comparable volumes of water when rehydrated. Despite comparable water management performances, the effect of exposure to stressful experimental conditions on DGC characteristics varied significantly between gregarious and solitary locusts. Interburst duration, which is affected by the ability to buffer CO2, was significantly reduced in dehydrated solitary locusts compared with gregarious locusts. Moreover, despite similar rehydration levels, only gregarious locusts recovered their initial CO2 accumulation capacity, indicating that cycle characteristics are affected by factors other than haemolymph volume. Haemolymph protein measurements and calculated respiratory exchange ratios suggest that catabolism of haemolymph proteins may contribute to a reduced haemolymph buffering capacity, and thus a compromised ability for CO2 accumulation, in solitary locusts. Nevertheless, DGC was lost at similar hydration states in the two phases, suggesting that DGCs are terminated as a result of inadequate oxygen supply to the tissues.

The locust foraging gene

Our knowledge of how genes act on the nervous system in response to the environment to generate behavioral plasticity is limited. A number of recent advancements in this area concern food-related behaviors and a specific gene family called foraging (for), which encodes a cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG). The desert locust (Schistocerca gregaria) is notorious for its destructive feeding and long-term migratory behavior. Locust phase polyphenism is an extreme example of environmentally induced behavioral plasticity. In response to changes in population density, locusts dramatically alter their behavior, from solitary and relatively sedentary behavior to active aggregation and swarming. Very little is known about the molecular and genetic basis of this striking behavioral phenomenon. Here we initiated studies into the locust for gene by identifying, cloning, and studying expression of the gene in the locust brain. We determined the phylogenetic relationships between the locust PKG and other known PKG proteins in insects. FOR expression was found to be confined to neurons of the anterior midline of the brain, the pars intercerebralis. Our results suggest that differences in PKG enzyme activity are correlated to well-established phase-related behavioral differences. These results lay the groundwork for functional studies of the locust for gene and its possible relations to locust phase polyphenism.

Effects of dietary sodium on performance, flight and compensation strategies in the cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

BACKGROUND

Sodium is critical for many physiological functions in insects. Herbivorous insects should expend considerable energy to compensate for sodium deficiency due to low sodium concentration in most inland plants upon which they feed. However, sodium compensation behaviors such as mud-puddling have been observed in some species but not in others. We expect that there may be other sodium compensation strategies in insects. Here, we select a rarely mud-puddling insect species, the cotton boll worm, Helicoverpa armigera, and determine the effects of dietary sodium on performance and flight, and examine their means of sodium compensation.

RESULTS

When freshly hatched H. armigera neonates were cultured on one of three diets differing in sodium contents (diet A, B and C with a high, middle and low sodium concentrations, respectively), the larvae on diet C grew larger, had a higher mortality rate and a shorter development period than those on diet A and B. The larvae previously fed from 1st to 3rd instar on diet C consumed more subsequent diet when they were transferred to diet A or C at 4th instar, comparing to those previously fed on diet A. Moreover, any 4th-instar larvae on diet C consumed a greater amount of food than those on diet A, no matter which diet the larvae had previously ingested from 1st to 3rd instar. Moths from diet A and B flew more rapidly than those from diet C, with similar sugar and lipid utilization rates among the three test groups. When a 5th-instar cannibal from diet A, B or C and a 5th-instar victim from diet A were housed together, many more cannibals from diet C ate their victims. When a victim from diet A, B or C was provided, a cannibal from diet C was more likely to eat the victim from diet A. When newly emerged moths had been exposed to 3% sodium chloride solution for all scotophase period, the average weight increase (proxy for sodium solution intake) for moths from diet A was lower than those from diet B or C.

CONCLUSION

Sodium-deficient diet resulted in rapid growth and development of H. armigera larvae, decreased larvae survival, and reduced flight speed of H. armigera adults. To compensate for sodium deficiency, H. armigera ingested a large quantity of larval food, increased larval cannibalism incidence and harvested sodium during the adult stage.

Peptides of the adipokinetic hormone/red pigment-concentrating hormone family with special emphasis on Caelifera: primary sequences and functional considerations contrasting grasshoppers and locusts

The presented work is a hybrid of an overview and an original research paper. First, we review briefly the structure, biosynthesis, release, mode of action and function of those peptides that constitute the adipokinetic/red pigment-concentrating family. Second, we collate the data on primary sequences available for caeliferan orthoptera, i.e. grasshoppers and locusts, and add a number of new data from previously unpublished work. The data are interpreted in conjunction with morphological and molecular biology data with respect to phylogenetic relationships of these various taxa. Finally, we discuss the differences between the adipokinetic response of grasshoppers and locusts to corpus cardiacum extract or synthetic adipokinetic hormone with regard to flight ability, phase polymorphism, age, presence of adipokinetic hormones, lipophorin system and other parameters. It appears that the higher hyperlipaemic response is always correlated with pronounced flight ability.

Relationship of adipokinetic hormone I and II to migratory propensity in the grasshopper, Melanoplus sanguinipes

This report examines three aspects of adipokinetic hormone (AKH) involvement in migratory flight behavior in the grasshopper, Melanoplus sanguinipes. The titer of hemolymph AKH I during long-duration tethered flight was examined using radioimmunoassay (RIA) after narrow bore RP-HPLC. The hemolymph fraction containing AKH I was assayed using commercially available anti-Tyr1-AKH I serum. Titer determinations of hemolymph AKH were done at rest and after various periods of flight. The amount of AKH I released from the corpora cardiaca during flight was estimated. When resting levels of AKH I and II in corpora cardiaca (CC) of migrants and non-migrants were examined with HPLC, no significant differences in AKH levels were detected between non-migrants, animals that had flown for 1 h to identify them as migrants, and animals that had flown to exhaustion (i.e., voluntary cessation). CC levels of both AKH I and II were less in this species than in locusts. When the lipid mobilization in response to AKH I and II was compared in migrants (animals that had self-identified as migrants in a 1-h tethered flight test) and non-migrants (animals that would not perform a 1-h flight in a tethered flight test), the adipokinetic response to AKH I was greater in migrants than in non-migrants, possibly indicating differences in level of sensitivity or number of receptors in the target tissues. AKH II had little effect on hemolymph lipid levels in either flight group, and may not play a significant role in lipid mobilization in this species.

Density-dependent physiological phase in insects

Insects respond to crowding in a variety of ways that are usually exemplified by rapid changes in behavior and culminate in enduring long-term morphological and/or chromatic responses. A common feature of both short-term and long-term effects is that they are graded, dependent not only on density but also on the duration and on phase history of the maternal generation. Because of their exoskeletons, which are persistent for the duration of each instar and endure throughout adult life, overt changes in morphology or coloration are restricted to the molting period and shortly afterward, when cuticular hardening and pigmentation are expressed. Changes in internal organs or metabolism elicited by population density, being independent of integumental constraints, are not restricted to the molting period, but the temporal difference between internal and external responses is not of fundamental significance. Intraspecific responses to the presence of sibling insects are of apparent ecological significance and often involve directional movement and/or migration. They are mediated via the sensory system, involve signal transduction, and elicit downstream biochemical and physiological changes.

The physiology of locust phase polymorphism: an update

The considerable progress made between 1990 and 1997 in locust phase-related research and in understanding the physiology of locust phase polymorphism is reviewed. The traits of locust phases are discussed and it is concluded that there are distinct strain-dependent differences in phase characteristics and their amplitudes even in the same species. Despite some advances, no major break-through was achieved in the putative endocrine control of locust phase polymorphism. Phase-dependent differences in adipokinesis, flight fuels and migration of adult locusts, as well as novel methods in studying aggregation behaviour and activity of hoppers and adults, opened new lines in research of the physiology of locust phase polymorphism. Marked advances were made in phase-related locust pheromone research, revealing, in Schistocerca gregaria, differences between the pheromonal system of the hoppers and that of the adults. These systems turned out to be more complex than previously assumed. Phenylacetonitrile, produced by sexually mature adult males, serving both as an attractant and a mutration-accelerating factor, was identified as the major compound of the adult pheromonal system in S. gregaria. A new aspect of transmission of phase characteristics from parent to progeny through the foam (froth) of the egg pod was revealed. Effects of some plant substances on locust phases were reported. However, no research has yet been published on the aspects of molecular biology of locust phase polymorphism.