Frontiers in Neuroanatomy (Feb 2015)

A map of brain neuropils and fiber systems in the ant Cardiocondyla obscurior

  • Joris eBressan,
  • Martin eBenz,
  • Jan eOettler,
  • Jürgen eHeinze,
  • Volker eHartenstein,
  • Simon G. Sprecher

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fnana.2014.00166
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 8

Abstract

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A wide spectrum of occupied ecological niches and spectacular morphological adaptations make social insects a prime object for comparative neuroanatomical studies. Eusocial insects have evolved complex societies based on caste polyphenism. A diverse behavioral repertoire of morphologically distinct castes of the same species requires a high degree of plasticity in the central nervous system. We have analyzed the central brain neuropils and fiber tract systems of the worker of the ant Cardiocondyla obscurior, a model for the study of social traits. Our analysis is based on whole mount preparations of adult brains labeled with an antibody against Drosophila-Synapsin, which cross-reacts strongly with synapses in Cardiocondyla. Neuropil compartments stand out as domains with a certain texture and intensity of the anti-Synapsin signal. By contrast, fiber tracts, which are composed of bundles of axons accompanied by glia and are devoid of synapses, appear as channels or sheaths with low anti-Synapsin signal. We have generated a digital 3D atlas of the Cardiocondyla brain neuropil. The atlas provides a reference for future studies of brain polymorphisms in distinct castes, brain development or localization of neurotransmitter systems.

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