UV-laser ablation of sensory cells in living insects

An experimental set-up for applying pulsed UV-laser ablation to the integum ent of insects and the high precision of ablation is demonstrated. In order to test for possible detrimental effects on physiological responses, this technique was applied to the ears of migratory locust (Locusta migratoria L .). The handling of living insects, the survival, and physiological respons e after treatment are described. We selectively interrupted the d-receptor of the tympanal organ, which is the receptor system responsible for the loc ust's sensitivity in the high-frequency range (> 10 kHz). The effects of th e laser treatment were tested by determining hearing thresholds in electrop hysiological recordings from the tympanal nerves. In agreement with the lit erature, the interruption of the d-receptors led to a significant shift tow ards higher values of the thresholds in the high-frequency range. Future pe rspectives and biological applications of UV-laser ablation are discussed.