A Neural Circuit Encoding the Experience of Copulation in Female Drosophila

• DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2019.04.009
• Publication Date: 2019-05-08T16:20:31Z
• Authors: Lisha Shao; Phuong Chung; Allan Wong; Igor Siwanowicz; Clement F. Kent; Xi Long; Ulrike Heberlein
• Keywords: Biological neural network

Female behavior changes profoundly after mating. In Drosophila, the mechanisms underlying long-term led by seminal products have been extensively studied. However, effect of sensory component copulation on female's internal state and remains elusive. We pursued this question dissociating coital inputs from those male ejaculate. found that cause a reduction post-coital receptivity in females, referred to as "copulation effect." identified three layers neural circuit phenomenon. Abdominal neurons expressing mechanosensory channel Piezo convey signal female-specific ascending neurons, LSANs, ventral nerve cord. LSANs relay information myoinhibitory peptides brain. hereby provide mechanism which experience facilitates females encoding their mating status, thus adjusting optimize reproduction.