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Post‐mortal CO 2 release by insects at high temperatures (1101.14)
Author(s) -
Heinrich Erica,
Gray Emilie,
Vorhees Ashley,
Bradley Timothy
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.28.1_supplement.1101.14
Subject(s) - insect , respirometry , biology , cockroach , toxicology , botany , ecology , biochemistry
Researchers utilizing thermolimit respirometry to study insect thermal tolerance have previously reported an unexplained surge of carbon dioxide release by insects following death at high temperatures. This phenomenon has been referred to as the “post‐mortal peak” (PMP). In some insects, the CO2 release rate during the PMP may be up to 50% higher than the maximal rate achieved in the live insect. We have observed the PMP in fruit flies, mosquitoes, crickets, cockroaches, and beetles. While it has been verified that the PMP occurs after death, the cause of death does play a role in the appearance of the PMP. We have observed the PMP only when an insect dies due to high temperature stress. Furthermore, the PMP does not occur in the absence of atmospheric oxygen, or if the dead insect is subjected to cyanide prior to the initiation of the peak. On the basis of those results, we hypothesize that the CO2 released in the PMP derives from the insect’s mitochondria. We are currently simultaneously measuring CO2 release and oxygen uptake during thermal ramping in order to clarify the source and function of the PMP. Understanding this event may provide insights into the physiological implications of heat stress in insects and the timeline of biochemical events before and after death at high temperatures. Grant Funding Source : Supported by The National Science Foundation