Robustness of the honeybee neuro-muscular octopaminergic system in the face of cold stress

In recent decades, our planet has undergone dramatic environmental changes resulting in the loss of numerous species. This contrasts with species that can adapt quickly to rapidly changing ambient conditions, which require physiological plasticity and must occur rapidly. The Western honeybee (Apis mellifera) apparently meets this challenge with remarkable success, as this species is adapted to numerous climates, resulting in an almost worldwide distribution. Here, coordinated individual thermoregulatory activities ensure survival at the colony level and thus the transmission of genetic material. Recently, we showed that shivering thermogenesis, which is critical for honeybee thermoregulation, depends on octopamine signaling. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that the thoracic neuro-muscular octopaminergic system strives for a steady-state equilibrium under cold stress to maintain endogenous thermogenesis. We can show that this applies for both, octopamine provision by flight muscle innervating neurons and octopamine receptor expression in the flight muscles. Additionally, we discovered alternative splicing for AmOAR beta 2. At least the expression of one isoform is needed to survive cold stress conditions. We assume that the thoracic neuro-muscular octopaminergic system is finely tuned in order to contribute decisively to survival in a changing environment.

Automated summary

In recent decades, there have been significant environmental changes that have led to the extinction of many species. The Western honeybee is a species that has successfully adapted to various climates, ensuring survival at the colony level. This study has found that the thermoregulation of honeybees relies on octopamine signaling, specifically through the thoracic neuro-muscular octopaminergic system. The finely tuned octopaminergic system plays a crucial role in maintaining endogenous thermogenesis and contributing to survival in a changing environment.