Changes in dopamine levels and locomotor activity in response to selection on virgin lifespan in Drosophila melanogaster

Mechanisms of Ageing and Development
C J VermeulenR Bijlsma

Abstract

Among various other mechanisms, genetic differences in the production of reactive oxygen species are thought to underlie genetic variation for longevity. Here we report on possible changes in ROS production related processes in response to selection for divergent virgin lifespan in Drosophila. The selection lines were observed to differ significantly in dopamine levels and melanin pigmentation, which is associated with dopamine levels at eclosion. These findings confirm that variation in dopamine levels is associated with genetic variation for longevity. Dopamine has previously been implied in ROS production and in the occurrence of age-related neurodegenerative diseases. In addition, we propose a possible proximate mechanism by which dopamine levels affect longevity in Drosophila: We tested if increased dopamine levels were associated with a "rate-of-living" syndrome of increased activity and respiration levels, thus aggravating the level of oxidative stress. Findings on locomotor activity and oxygen consumption of short-lived flies were in line with expectations. However, the relation is not straightforward, as flies of the long-lived lines did not show any consistent differences in pigmentation or dopamine levels with respec...Continue Reading

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Citations

Oct 9, 2008·Neurochemical Research·C David Rollo
Mar 7, 2013·Evolution; International Journal of Organic Evolution·Theresa K HodgesJeff Leips
Jul 7, 2012·Experimental Gerontology·Luciana Mercedes Pujol-LereisLuis Alberto Quesada-Allué
Jan 24, 2017·The European Journal of Neuroscience·Andrea BednářováNatraj Krishnan

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