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First published online October 19, 2007
Journal of Experimental Biology 210, 3707-3719 (2007)
Published by The Company of Biologists 2007
doi: 10.1242/jeb.007864

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Drosophila flies combine periodic heartbeat reversal with a circulation in the anterior body mediated by a newly discovered anterior pair of ostial valves and `venous' channels

Lutz T. Wasserthal

Institute of Biology, University of Erlangen-Nuernberg, Staudtstrasse 5, D-91058 Erlangen, Germany

e-mail: ltwthal{at}biologie.uni-erlangen.de

Accepted 21 August 2007

Heartbeat activity in tethered adult drosophilids was recorded using a linear optosensor chip and an IR-light beam. Recording from two to five sensor elements within 250 µm along the anterior heart, it was possible to analyze periodic reversals. In intact Drosophila melanogaster and D. hydei, longer anterograde pulse periods with lower pulse rates generally alternated with shorter retrograde pulse periods having higher pulse rates. These differences are dependent on heart anatomy: a newly discovered first pair of ostia is connected to bilateral thoraco-abdominal hemolymph channels. These channels are part of a venous space separated from the abdominal hemocoel by a septum, consisting of a metanotal ridge and the pericardial diaphragm lined by a special form of fat body. The channels are sealed, and their lumen is possibly controlled by the metathoracic tergo-pleural muscle. During retrograde pulses, the heart chamber works like a suction pump, aspiring hemolymph through the first ostia from the venous channels and discharging it through a newly described caudal opening. During forward beating, the anterior chamber receives hemolymph via all inflow ostia from the entire heart and drives it like a pressure pump through the narrow aorta. Also, during forward pulses, a lateral circulation occurs in the thorax as a result of the venous supply. Inhibition of abdominal mobility leads to an irregular heart rate, with pulse-wise alternating heartbeat reversals. The possible involvement of slow abdominal movements in heartbeat periodicity is discussed. The heartbeat periods are superimposed with intermittent bouts of abdominal pumping movements.

Key words: anatomy, cardiogenesis, dorsal vessel, Drosophila melanogaster, Drosophila hydei, fruitfly, heart development, inflow tract, insect heart, linear optosensor array, ostium, optocardiography, svp-lacZ

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