RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Focal and Temporal Release of Glutamate in the Mushroom Bodies Improves Olfactory Memory in Apis mellifera JF The Journal of Neuroscience JO J. Neurosci. FD Society for Neuroscience SP 11614 OP 11618 DO 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.3180-05.2005 VO 25 IS 50 A1 Fernando Locatelli A1 Gesine Bundrock A1 Uli Müller YR 2005 UL http://www.jneurosci.org/content/25/50/11614.abstract AB In contrast to vertebrates, the role of the neurotransmitter glutamate in learning and memory in insects has hardly been investigated. The reason is that a pharmacological characterization of insect glutamate receptors is still missing; furthermore, it is difficult to locally restrict pharmacological interventions. In this study, we overcome these problems by using locally and temporally defined photo-uncaging of glutamate to study its role in olfactory learning and memory formation in the honeybee, Apis mellifera. Uncaging glutamate in the mushroom bodies immediately after a weak training protocol induced a higher memory rate 2 d after training, mimicking the effect of a strong training protocol. Glutamate release before training does not facilitate memory formation, suggesting that glutamate mediates processes triggered by training and required for memory formation. Uncaging glutamate in the antennal lobes shows no effect on memory formation. These results provide the first direct evidence for a temporally and locally restricted function of glutamate in memory formation in honeybees and insects.