Alarm pheromone induces stress analgesia via an opioid system in the honeybee

Physiol Behav. 1997 Dec 31;63(1):75-80. doi: 10.1016/s0031-9384(97)00391-0.

Abstract

Changes of the stinging response threshold of Apis mellifera scutellata were measured on foragers fixed on a holder and stimulated with an electric shock as a noxious stimulus. The threshold of responsiveness to the noxious stimulus increased when bees were previously stimulated with isopentyl acetate, which is a main component of the alarm pheromone of the sting chamber. This effect is antagonised by previous injection of naloxone-hydrochloride (Endo Laboratories Inc.). Results suggest that in the honeybee an endogenous opioid system activated by isopentyl acetate is responsible for modulation of perception for nociceptive stimuli. The resulting stress-induced analgesia in the defender bee would reduce its probability of withdrawal thus increasing its efficiency against enemies.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Analgesia*
  • Animals
  • Bees / physiology*
  • Electric Stimulation
  • Naloxone / pharmacology
  • Narcotic Antagonists / pharmacology
  • Nociceptors / drug effects
  • Nociceptors / physiology
  • Pheromones / pharmacology*
  • Receptors, Opioid / drug effects*
  • Stress, Psychological / psychology*

Substances

  • Narcotic Antagonists
  • Pheromones
  • Receptors, Opioid
  • Naloxone