Brain melatonin content and polyethism in adult workers of Apis mellifera and Apis cerana (Hym., Apidae)

  1. L. Yang1,
  2. Y. Qin1,
  3. X. Li1,
  4. D. Song1,
  5. M. Qi2

Article first published online: 20 NOV 2007

DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0418.2007.01229.x

Issue

Journal of Applied Entomology

Journal of Applied Entomology

Volume 131, Issue 9-10, pages 734–739, December 2007

Additional Information

How to Cite

Yang, L., Qin, Y., Li, X., Song, D. and Qi, M. (2007), Brain melatonin content and polyethism in adult workers of Apis mellifera and Apis cerana (Hym., Apidae). Journal of Applied Entomology, 131: 734–739. doi: 10.1111/j.1439-0418.2007.01229.x

Author Information

  1. 1

    Department of Entomology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China

  2. 2

    College of Biological Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China

*Author's address: Yuchuan Qin, Department of Entomology, China Agricultural University, No. 2 Yuan Ming Yuan West Road, Hai Dian District, Beijing 100094, P.R. China, E-mail: qyuchuan@cau.edu.cn

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 20 NOV 2007
  2. Article first published online: 20 NOV 2007
  3. Received: April 29, 2007; accepted: July 17, 2007

SEARCH

SEARCH BY CITATION

ARTICLE TOOLS

View Full Article (HTML) Get PDF (211K)

Keywords:

  • honey bees;
  • melatonin;
  • polyethism

Abstract:  Radioimmunoassay showed that melatonin, N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine, was synthesized in the brain of workers of Apis mellifera ligustica Spinola, and related to the polyethism of the workers. Statistically significant differences were found in melatonin levels between workers at different ages and between workers performing different tasks. The level in foragers was higher than that in young nurses. The highest melatonin level was found in 21-day-old adult workers (213.15 pg per worker head) and the lowest level in 1-day-old adult workers (6.08 pg per worker head); and the highest level in pollen-collecting workers (404.13 pg per worker head) and the lowest in nurse workers (13.10 pg per worker head). Apis cerana cerana Fabricius showed a similar pattern, but the nectar foragers had the highest melatonin levels. The melatonin level also showed a daily rhythm. In 30-day-old adult workers there were two peaks, at 7:00 and 19:00 hours, and three troughs at 15:00, 21:00 and 1:00 hours respectively.

View Full Article (HTML) Get PDF (211K)