1999/03/01 by Yoshihiro Sambongi, Takashi Nagae, Yanna Liu +4 · 1 citation
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Neuroscience · #Genetics, Aging, and Longevity in Model Organisms #Circadian rhythm and melatonin
paper · doi:10.1097/00001756-199903170-00017
We developed a quantitative assay for Caenorhabditis elegans avoidance behavior. This was then used to demonstrate that the worm moved away from toxic concentrations of Cd2+ and Cu2+, but not Ni2+, all ions that prevented development from larval to adult stages. Mutants that have structural defects in ciliated neurons (che-2 and osm-3) as well as worms with three laser-operated neurons (ADL, ASE, and ASH), showed no avoidance behavior from Cd2+ and Cu2+. These results suggest that the avoidance from Cd2+ and Cu2+ are mediated through multiple neural pathways including ADL, ASE, and ASH neurons. We hypothesize that the three sensing neurons provide increased accuracy of the sensory response and a survival advantage in the natural environment of the worm.