Analysis of odor processing in the mushroom bodies of the honeybee

To study the neuronal dynamics in the mushroom bodies (MB) of the honeybee Apis mellifera we simultaneously recorded local field potentials (LFP) from different sites within the MB. Based on a wavelet analysis of the LFPs we found in the absence of odor stimuli ongoing 8-27 Hz oscillations which are coupled between both hemispheres of the brain. Odor stimuli give rise to f aster waves in the range of 16-45 Hz, which seem to be decoupled between th e hemispheres and appear either instead of or superimposed on the spontaneo us waves. A modified correlation analysis shows, however, that even during odor processing there is a significant coupling between the two hemispheres of the brain. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.