Antennal lobe organisation in ant, Oecophylla smaragdina: A Golgi study

Abstract

Antennal lobes (AL) are the primary olfactory centres of the insect brain, the organisation of which reflects the chemosensory repertoire of the insect. The sensory neurons from the antenna, local neurons (LNs), and projection neurons (PNs) constitute the neuropilar organisation of the AL, which often varies according to the ecology and behaviour of the insects. We explored the organisation of the AL in the ant Oecophylla smaragdina through Golgi analysis and other standard histological procedures. Six topographically distinct glomerular clusters were noticed in the AL. AL volume, total number of glomeruli and its spatial organisation were different in the castes of Oecophylla smaragdina. We could count 220 glomeruli in the AL of the major worker, whereas only 140 glomeruli were located in AL of minor workers. LNs with their cell body located on the dorsal, dorso-lateral, ventral, ventro-lateral, and medial position of the AL were characterised. Most of the LNs are oligoglomerular. Uniglomerular and multiglomerular PNs were also identified. The results underline a caste specific organisation of the AL in Oecophylla smaragdina. The characterised LNs and PNs further reveals the complex neural circuitry involved in the processing of important chemical cues related to the lifestyle of the ant.