Emeritus Professor Alison Mercer studies the brain and behaviour of honey bees. Her research interests include developmental genetics, biogenic amines and neuronal development, olfaction, and learning and memory. Current research projects are looking at the characterization of dopamine receptors in the brain of the honey bee, queen retinue pheromone and the royal manipulation of worker bee brain. The behaviour and the development and modulation of the olfactory pathways in the brain of the honey bee is another area of interest.
What do bees have to do with brains? “Bees are highly social animals with a sophisticated pheromonal communication system and an extraordinarily rich behavioural repertoire, all of which we can leverage to ask interesting questions about brain function."
Mondet, F., Blanchard, S., Barthes, N., Beslay, D., Bordier, C., Costagliola, G., … Kim, S. H., … Mercer, A. R., & Le Conte, Y. (2021). Chemical detection triggers honey bee defense against a destructive parasitic threat. Nature Chemical Biology, 17, 524-530. doi: 10.1038/s41589-020-00720-3
Journal - Research Article
Iwasaki, J. M., Barratt, B. I. P., Jandt, J. M., Jowett, T. W. D., Lord, J. M., Mercer, A. R., & Dickinson, K. J. M. (2020). Honey bees do not displace foraging bumble bees on nectar-rich artificial flowers. Apidologie, 51, 137-146. doi: 10.1007/s13592-019-00690-z
Journal - Research Article
Kim, S. H., Mercer, A., Mitchell, A., de Miranda, J. R., Ward, V., Mondet, F., & Bostina, M. (2019). Viral infections alter antennal epithelium ultrastructure in honey bees. Journal of Invertebrate Pathology, 168, 107252. doi: 10.1016/j.jip.2019.107252
Journal - Research Article
Urlacher, E., Devaud, J.-M., & Mercer, A. R. (2019). Changes in responsiveness to allatostatin treatment accompany shifts in stress reactivity in young worker honey bees. Journal of Comparative Physiology A, 205, 51-59. doi: 10.1007/s00359-018-1302-0
Journal - Research Article
Jarriault, D., Fuller, J., Hyland, B. I., & Mercer, A. R. (2018). Dopamine release in mushroom bodies of the honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) in response to aversive stimulation. Scientific Reports, 8, 16277. doi: 10.1038/s41598-018-34460-1
Journal - Research Article
Iwasaki, J. M., Dickinson, K. J. M., Barratt, B. I. P., Mercer, A. R., Jowett, T. W. D., & Lord, J. M. (2018). Floral usage partitioning and competition between social (Apis mellifera, Bombus terrestris) and solitary bees in New Zealand: Niche partitioning via floral preferences? Austral Ecology, 43, 937-948. doi: 10.1111/aec.12643
Journal - Research Article
Kim, S. H., Mondet, F., Hervé, M., & Mercer, A. (2018). Honey bees performing varroa sensitive hygiene remove the most mite-compromised bees from highly infested patches of brood. Apidologie, 49(3), 335-345. doi: 10.1007/s13592-017-0559-6
Journal - Research Article
Urlacher, E., Devaud, J.-M., & Mercer, A. R. (2017). C-type allatostatins mimic stress-related effects of alarm pheromone on honey bee learning and memory recall. PLoS ONE, 12(3), e0174321. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0174321
Journal - Research Article
Lagisz, M., Mercer, A. R., de Mouzon, C., Santos, L. L. S., & Nakagawa, S. (2016). Association of amine-receptor DNA sequence variants with associative learning in the honeybee. Behavior Genetics, 46(2), 242-251. doi: 10.1007/s10519-015-9749-z
Journal - Research Article
Mondet, F., Kim, S. H., de Miranda, J. R., Beslay, D., Le Conte, Y., & Mercer, A. R. (2016). Specific cues associated with honey bee social defence against Varroa destructor infested brood. Scientific Reports, 6, 25444. doi: 10.1038/srep25444
Journal - Research Article
Urlacher, E., Monchanin, C., Rivière, C., Richard, F.-J., Lombardi, C., Michelsen-Heath, S., Hageman, K. J., & Mercer, A. R. (2016). Measurements of chlorpyrifos levels in forager bees and comparison with levels that disrupt honey bee odor-mediated learning under laboratory conditions. Journal of Chemical Ecology, 42(2), 127-138. doi: 10.1007/s10886-016-0672-4
Journal - Research Article
Urlacher, E., Soustelle, L., Parmentier, M.-L., Verlinden, H., Gherardi, M.-J., Fourmy, D., Mercer, A. R., … Massou, I. (2016). Honey bee allatostatins target galanin/somatostatin-like receptors and modulate learning: A conserved function? PLoS ONE, 11(1), e0146248. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0146248
Journal - Research Article
Iwasaki, J. M., Barratt, B. I. P., Lord, J. M., Mercer, A. R., & Dickinson, K. J. M. (2015). The New Zealand experience of varroa invasion highlights research opportunities for Australia. AMBIO, 44(7), 694-704. doi: 10.1007/s13280-015-0679-z
Journal - Research Article
Mondet, F., Alaux, C., Severac, D., Rohmer, M., Mercer, A. R., & Le Conte, Y. (2015). Antennae hold a key to Varroa-sensitive hygiene behaviour in honey bees. Scientific Reports, 5, 10454. doi: 10.1038/srep10454
Journal - Research Article
Verlinden, H., Vleugels, R., Verdonck, R., Urlacher, E., Vanden Broeck, J., & Mercer, A. (2015). Pharmacological and signalling properties of a D2-like dopamine receptor (Dop3) in Tribolium castaneum. Insect Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, 56, 9-20. doi: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2014.11.002
Journal - Research Article
McQuillan, H. J., Nakagawa, S., & Mercer, A. R. (2014). Juvenile hormone enhances aversive learning performance in 2-day old worker honey bees while reducing their attraction to queen mandibular pheromone. PLoS ONE, 9(11), e112740. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0112740
Journal - Research Article
Mondet, F., de Miranda, J. R., Kretzschmar, A., Le Conte, Y., & Mercer, A. R. (2014). On the front line: Quantitative virus dynamics in honeybee (Apis mellifera L.) colonies along a new expansion front of the parasite Varroa destructor. PLoS Pathogens, 10(8), 1004323. doi: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1004323
Journal - Research Article
Urlacher, E., Tarr, I. S., & Mercer, A. R. (2014). Social modulation of stress reactivity and learning in young worker honey bees. PLoS ONE, 9(12), e113630. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0113630
Journal - Research Article
Urlacher, E., Devaud, J.-M., & Mercer, A. R. (2013). Pheromones acting as social signals modulate learning in honeybees. In R. Menzel & P. R. Benjamin (Eds.), Invertebrate learning and memory. (pp. 442-449). Amsterdam, The Netherlands: Academic Press. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-12-415823-8.00032-0
Chapter in Book - Research
Geddes, L. H., McQuillan, H. J., Aiken, A., Vergoz, V., & Mercer, A. R. (2013). Steroid hormone (20-hydroxyecdysone) modulates the acquisition of aversive olfactory memories in pollen forager honeybees. Learning & Memory, 20, 399-409. doi: 10.1101/lm.030825.113
Journal - Research Article
Verlinden, H., Lismont, E., Bil, M., Urlacher, E., Mercer, A., Vanden Broeck, J., & Huybrechts, R. (2013). Characterisation of a functional allatotropin receptor in the bumblebee, Bombus terrestris (Hymenoptera, Apidae). General & Comparative Endocrinology, 193, 193-200. doi: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2013.08.006
Journal - Research Article
Iwasaki, J., Barratt, B., Lord, J., Mercer, A., & Dickinson, K. (2013). The varroa invasion of Australasia. Proceedings of EcoTas13: The 5th Joint Conference of New Zealand Ecological Society (NZES) and Ecological Society of Australia (ESA). (pp. 178). Retrieved from https://newzealandecology.org/node/40
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
Mustard, J. A., Vergoz, V., Mesce, K. A., Klukas, K. A., Beggs, K. T., Geddes, L. H., McQuillan, H. J., & Mercer, A. R. (2012). Dopamine signaling in the bee. In C. G. Galizia, D. Eisenhardt & Giurfa (Eds.), Honeybee neurobiology and behavior: A tribute to Randolf Menzel. (pp. 199-209). Dordrecht, TheNetherlands: Springer. doi: 10.1007/978-94-007-2099-2_16
Chapter in Book - Research
Ellen, C. W., & Mercer, A. R. (2012). Modulatory actions of dopamine and serotonin on insect antennal lobe neurons: Insights from studies in vitro. Journal of Molecular Histology, 43(4), 401-404. doi: 10.1007/s10735-012-9401-7
Journal - Research Article
Jarriault, D., & Mercer, A. R. (2012). Queen mandibular pheromone: Questions that remain to be resolved. Apidologie, 43(3), 292-307. doi: 10.1007/s13592-011-0117-6
Journal - Research Article
McQuillan, H. J., Barron, A. B., & Mercer, A. R. (2012). Age- and behaviour-related changes in the expression of biogenic amine receptor genes in the antennae of honey bees (Apis mellifera). Journal of Comparative Physiology A, 198(10), 753-761. doi: 10.1007/s00359-012-0745-y
Journal - Research Article
McQuillan, H. J., Nakagawa, S., & Mercer, A. R. (2012). Mushroom bodies of the honeybee brain show cell population-specific plasticity in expression of amine-receptor genes. Learning & Memory, 19(4), 151-158. doi: 10.1101/lm.025353.111
Journal - Research Article
Beggs, K. T., Tyndall, J. D. A., & Mercer, A. R. (2011). Honey bee dopamine and octopamine receptors linked to intracellular calcium signaling have a close phylogenetic and pharmacological relationship. PLoS ONE, 6(11), e26809. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0026809
Journal - Research Article
Mondet, F., Goodwin, M., & Mercer, A. (2011). Age-related changes in the behavioural response of honeybees to Apiguard®, a thymol-based treatment used to control the mite Varroa destructor. Journal of Comparative Physiology A, 197(11), 1055-1062. doi: 10.1007/s00359-011-0666-1
Journal - Research Article
Wass, R., Harland, T., & Mercer, A. (2011). Scaffolding critical thinking in the zone of proximal development. Higher Education Research & Development, 30(3), 317-328. doi: 10.1080/07294360.2010.489237
Journal - Research Article
Beggs, K. T., & Mercer, A. R. (2009). Dopamine receptor activation by honey bee queen pheromone. Current Biology, 19(14), 1206-1209. doi: 10.1016/j.cub.2009.05.051
Journal - Research Article
Vergoz, V., McQuillan, H. J., Geddes, L. H., Pullar, K., Nicholson, B. J., Paulin, M. G., & Mercer, A. R. (2009). Peripheral modulation of worker bee responses to queen mandibular pheromone. PNAS, 106(49), 20930-20935. doi: 10.1073/pnas.0907563106
Journal - Research Article
Milton, S. M., Millar, C. D., Cheeseman, J. F., Sleigh, J. W., Goodwin, R. M., Menzel, R., Mercer, A. R., & Warman, G. R. (2009). The effect of circadian clock plasticity on memory and learning. Proceedings of the ComBio2009 Conference. [CD-ROM] [Abstract]
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
Wass, R., Mercer, A., & Harland, T. (2009). The scaffold: A framework to support or suspend learning? Proceedings of the Tertiary Education Research in New Zealand Conference. Retrieved from http://www.herdsa.org.nz/file.php/5/Wass.htm
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
Kloppenburg, P., & Mercer, A. R. (2008). Serotonin modulation of moth central olfactory neurons. Annual Review of Entomology, 53, 179-190. doi: 10.1146/annurev.ento.53.103106.093408
Journal - Research Article
Mercer, A. R. (2008). A bee-line into learning and memory mechanisms. Cellular & Molecular Life Sciences, 65(22), 3521-3524.
Journal - Research Article
Mercer, A. R. (2008). Manipulating dopamine pathways in the bee brain: Impacts on brain function and behaviour. In J. G. Anson (Ed.), Proceedings of the 26th International Australasian Winter Conference on Brain Research.26, (pp. 19). AWCBR. Retrieved from http://psy.otago.ac.nz/awcbr/Abstracts/2008Abstracts.pdf
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
Mercer, A. R., Beggs, K. T., & Vergoz, V. (2008). Queen mandibular pheromone modulates dopamine signaling in the brain of young worker bees. Proceedings of the Society for Neuroscience 38th Annual Meeting. SfN. Retrieved from http://www.abstractsonline.com/plan/AdvancedSearch.aspx
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
Beggs, K. T., Glendining, K. A., Marechal, N. M., Vergoz, V., Nakamura, I., Slessor, K. N., & Mercer, A. R. (2007). Queen pheromone modulates brain dopamine function in worker honey bees. PNAS, 104(7), 2460-2464.
Journal - Research Article
Carrington, E., Kokay, I. C., Duthie, J., Lewis, R., & Mercer, A. R. (2007). Manipulating the light/dark cycle: Effects on dopamine levels in optic lobes of the honey bee (Apis mellifera) brain. Journal of Comparative Physiology A, 193(2), 167-180.
Journal - Research Article
Vergoz, V., Schreurs, H. A., & Mercer, A. R. (2007). Queen pheromone blocks aversive learning in young worker bees. Science, 317, 384-386.
Journal - Research Article
Perk, C. G., & Mercer, A. R. (2006). Dopamine modulation of honey bee (Apis mellifera) antennal-lobe neurons. Journal of Neurophysiology, 95, 1147-1157.
Journal - Research Article
The Honeybee Genome Sequencing Consortium, including Beggs, K. T., Mercer, A. R., Dearden, P. K., & Wilson, M. J. (2006). Insights into social insects from the genome of the honeybee Apis mellifera. Nature, 443, 931-949.
Journal - Research Article
Beggs, K. T., Marechal, N., Glendining, K. A., & Mercer, A. R. (2006). The effect of queen mandibular pheromone on dopamine systems in the brain of the honey bee Apis mellifera. Proceedings of the Australian Neuroscience Society 26th Annual Meeting.17, (pp. 98). ANS. [Abstract]
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
Vergoz, V., & Mercer, A. R. (2006). The effect of the queen pheromone on aversive learning in the honey bee Apis mellifera. Proceedings of the Australian Neuroscience Society 26th Annual Meeting.17, (pp. 98). ANS. [Abstract]
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
Wass, R., Harland, T., & Mercer, A. (2006). Learning in the zone. In R. Spronken-Smith (Ed.), Proceedings of the Spotlight on Teaching at Otago Conference. (pp. 31). Dunedin, New Zealand: HEDC, University of Otago. [Abstract]
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
Wass, R., Mercer, A., & Harland, T. (2006). Learning in the zone. Proceedings of the Improving University Teaching 31st International Conference. IUT. Retrieved from http://www.iutconference.org/2006/sessionVI.htm
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
Beggs, K. T., Hamilton, I. S., Kurshan, P. T., Mustard, J. A., & Mercer, A. R. (2005). Characterization of a D2-like dopamine receptor (AmDOP3) in honey bee, Apis mellifera. Insect Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, 35, 873-882. doi: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2005.03.005
Journal - Research Article
Mercer, A. R., Kloppenburg, P., & Hildebrand, J. G. (2005). Plateau potentials in developing antennal-lobe neurons of the moth, Manduca sexta. Journal of Neurophysiology, 93, 1949-1958.
Journal - Research Article
Mustard, J. A., Beggs, K. T., & Mercer, A. R. (2005). Molecular biology of the invertebrate dopamine receptors. Archives of Insect Biochemistry & Physiology, 59(3), 103-117.
Journal - Research Article
Mustard, J. A., Kurshan, P. T., Hamilton, I. S., Blenau, W., & Mercer, A. R. (2005). Developmental expression of a tyramine receptor gene in the brain of the honey bee, Apis mellifera. Journal of Comparative Neurology, 483(1), 66-75. doi: 10.1002/cne.20420
Journal - Research Article
Brown, S. M., Napper, R. M., & Mercer, A. R. (2004). Foraging experience, glomerulus volume, and synapse number: A stereological study of the honey bee antennal lobe. Journal of Neurobiology, 60, 40-50.
Journal - Research Article
Humphries, M., Mustard, J. A., Hunter, S. J., Mercer, A. R., Ward, V. K., & Ebert, P. R. (2003). Invertebrate D2 type dopamine receptor exhibits age-based plasticity of expression in the mushroom bodies of the honeybee brain. Journal of Neurobiology, 55, 315-330.
Journal - Research Article
Kurshan, P. T., Hamilton, I. S., Mustard, J. A., & Mercer, A. R. (2003). Developmental changes in expression patterns of two dopamine receptor genes in mushroom bodies of the honeybee, Apis mellifera. Journal of Comparative Neurology, 466(1), 91-103. doi: 10.1002/cne.10864
Journal - Research Article
Mustard, J. A., Blenau, W., Hamilton, I. S., Ward, V. K., Ebert, P. R., & Mercer, A. R. (2003). Analysis of two D1-like dopamine receptors from the honey bee Apis mellifera reveals agonist-independent activity. Molecular Brain Research, 113, 67-77.
Journal - Research Article
Brown, S. M., Napper, R. M. A., Thompson, C. M., & Mercer, A. R. (2002). Stereological analysis reveals striking differences in the structural plasticity of two readily identifiable glomeruli in the antennal lobes of the adult worker honeybee. Journal of Neuroscience, 22, 8514-8522.
Journal - Research Article
Mercer, A. R., & Hildebrand, J. G. (2002). Developmental changes in the density of ionic currents in antennal-lobe neurons of the sphinx moth, Manduca sexta. Journal of Neurophysiology, 87, 2664-2675.
Journal - Research Article
Mercer, A. R., & Hildebrand, J. G. (2002). Developmental changes in the electrophysiological properties and response characteristics of Manduca antennal-lobe neurons. Journal of Neurophysiology, 87, 2650-2663.
Journal - Research Article
Mercer, A. R. (2001). The predictable plasticity of honey bees. In C. Shaw & J. McEachern (Eds.), Toward a Theory of Neuroplasticity. (pp. 64-81). Philadelphia, USA: Psychology Press.
Chapter in Book - Research
McPartland, J., Di Marzo, V., De Petrocellis, L., Mercer, A. R., & Glass, M. (2001). Cannabinoid receptors absent in insects. Journal of Comparative Neurology, 436, 423-429.
Journal - Research Article
McPartland, J., Di Marzo, V., De Petrocellis, L., Mercer, A., & Glass, M. (2001). Cannabinoid receptors are absent in insects. Journal of Comparative Neurology, 436(4), 423-429. doi: 10.1002/cne.1078
Journal - Research Article
Brown, S. M., Napper, R. M. A., & Mercer, A. R. (2001). Quantification of volume changes in the antennal lobes of the worker honey bee, Apis mellifera. International Journal of Neuroscience.108, (pp. 229). [Abstract]
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
Brown, S. M., Thompson, C. M., Napper, R. M. A., & Mercer, A. R. (2001). An increase in glomerular volume does not necessarily indicate an increase in synapse number: A quantitative analysis of antennal lobe of the worker honey bee Apis mellifera. International Journal of Neuroscience, 108, (pp. 229). [Abstract]
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
Mercer, A. R. (2001). Plasticity of aminergic systems and their modulatory messages in the insect brain. Proceedings of the Sixth International Congress of Neuroethology. (pp. S12.3). International Society for Neuroethology. [Abstract]
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
Mercer, A. R., Ferns, D., Kloppenburg, P., & Hildebrand, J. G. (2001). Diel fluctuations in serotonin levels in primary olfactory centres of the brain of the sphinx moth, Manduca sexta: What is their functional significance? International Journal of Neuroscience.108, (pp. 228). [Abstract]
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
Mustard, J. A., & Mercer, A. R. (2001). Analysis of two D1-like dopamine receptors from honey bee reveals constitutive activity. American Society for Neuroscience Abstracts.24, (pp. 2124). Washington DC, USA: Society for Neuroscience. [Abstract]
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
Mustard, J. A., Blenau, W., & Mercer, A. R. (2001). Analysis of two D1-like dopamine receptors from honey bee. Proceedings of the Sixth International Congress in Neuroethology. (pp. 388). International Society for Neuroethology. [Abstract]
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
Mustard, J. A., Humphries, M., Ebert, P. R., Ward, V. K., & Mercer, A. R. (2001). Identification and characterization of a D1-like dopamine receptor from the honey bee, Apis mellifera. International Journal of Neuroscience.109, (pp. 207). [Abstract]
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
Mustard, J. A., Rawson, R., Blenau, W., & Mercer, A. R. (2001). Dopamine receptors in the brain of the honey bee, Apis mellifera. Central European Conference of Neurobiology. (pp. 61). European Neurosciences Society. [Abstract]
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
Brown, S. M., Napper, R. M. A., & Mercer, A. R. (2000). Analysis of structure plasticity in the honey bee brain using the Cavalieri estimator of volume and the disector method. Image Analysis & Stereology, 19(2), 139-144. doi: 10.5566/ias.v19.p139-144
Journal - Research Article
Brown, S. M., Napper, R. M. A., & Mercer, A. R. (2000). Structural plasticity in the antennal lobes of the worker honey bee, Apis mellifera. Image Analysis & Stereology, 19, 139-144.
Journal - Research Article
Purnell, M. T., Mitchell, C. J., Taylor, D. J., Kokay, I. C., & Mercer, A. R. (2000). The influence of endogenous dopamine levels on the density of [3H]SCH23390-binding sites in the brain of the honey bee, Apis mellifera L. Brain Research, 855, 206-216.
Journal - Research Article
Brown, S. M., Thompson, C. M., Napper, R. M. A., & Mercer, A. R. (2000). An increase in glomerular volume does not necessarily indicate an increase in synapse number: A quantitative analysis of the antennal lobe of the honey bee, Apis mellifera. American Society for Neuroscience Abstracts.26, (pp. 726). [Abstract]
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
Mercer, A. R., Kloppenburg, P., & Hildebrand, J. G. (2000). Plateau potentials in antennal-lobe neurons of the sphinx moth, Manduca sexta. American Society for Neuroscience Abstracts.23, (pp. 68). [Abstract]
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
Mercer, A. R. (1999). Changing the way we perceive things: Sensory systems modulation. In P. Katz (Ed.), In 'Beyond Neurotransmission: Neuromodulation and its Importance for Information Processing'. (pp. 198-240). New York, USA: Oxford University Press.
Chapter in Book - Research
Kirchhof, B. S., Homberg, U., & Mercer, A. R. (1999). Development of dopamine-immunoreactive neurons associated with the antennal lobes of the honey bee, Apis mellifera. Journal of Comparative Neurology, 411, 643-653.
Journal - Research Article
Kloppenburg, P., Ferns, D., & Mercer, A. R. (1999). Serotonin enhances central olfactory neuron responses to female sex pheromones in the male sphinx moth, Manduca sexta. Journal of Neuroscience, 19, 8172-8181.
Journal - Research Article
Kloppenburg, P., Kirchhof, B. S., & Mercer, A. R. (1999). Voltage-activated currents from adult honeybee (Apis mellifera) antennal motor neurons recorded in vitro and in situ. Journal of Neurophysiology, 81(1), 39-48.
Journal - Research Article
Kokay, I. C., Ebert, P. R., Kirchhof, B. S., & Mercer, A. R. (1999). Distribution of dopamine receptors and dopamine receptor homologs in the brain of the honeybee, Apis mellifera L. Microscopy Research & Technique, 44, 179-189.
Journal - Research Article
Mercer, A. R., Brown, S. M., Dunston, C., Kirchhof, B. S., Kokay, I. C., Perk, C. G., Sigg, D., & Winnington, A. P. (1999). Behaviour-related plasticity in the antennal lobes of the honey bee, Apis mellifera L. In N. Elsner & U. Eysel (Eds.), Göttingen Neurobiology Report 1999.1, (pp. 129). Thieme Verlag. [Abstract]
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
Kokay, I. C., McEwan, J. C., & Mercer, A. R. (1998). Autoradiographic localisation of [3H]-SCH23390 and [3H]-spiperone binding sites in honeybee brain. Journal of Comparative Neurology, 394, 29-37.
Journal - Research Article
Morgan, S., Butz-Huryn, V. M., Downes, S. J., & Mercer, A. R. (1998). The effects of queenlessness on the maturation of the honeybee olfactory system. Behavioural Brain Research, 91, 115-126.
Journal - Research Article
Mercer, A. R. (1998). Activity-dependent changes to the brain of the honey bee Apis mellifera L. Proceedings of the Australian Neuroscience Society.9. [Abstract]
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
Mercer, A. R. (1998). Developmental changes to the brain of the honey bee. Proceedings of the Fifth International Congress in Neuroethology.S15. [Abstract]
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
Mercer, A. R., Brown, S. M., Kirchhof, B. S., Kloppenburg, P., Kokay, I. C., & Perk, C. G. (1998). Cellular analysis of the modulatory effects of biogenic amines on the brain and behaviour of the honey bee, Apis mellifera. Proceedings of the XIII International Congress of the International Union for the Study of Social Insects. (pp. 311). [Abstract]
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
Mercer, A. R., Kloppenburg, P., & Hildebrand, J. G. (1998). Changes in electrophysiological properties of central olfactory neurons associated with metamorphic adult development of the sphinx moth. International Journal of Neuroscience, 94(1-2), (pp. 105). [Abstract]
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
Kirchhof, B. S., & Mercer, A. R. (1997). Antennal lobe neurons of the honey bee (Apis mellifera) express a D2-like dopamine receptor in vitro. Journal of Comparative Neurology, 383(2), 189-198.
Journal - Research Article
Kokay, I. C., & Mercer, A. R. (1997). Age-related changes in dopamine receptor densities in the brain of the honey bee, Apis mellifera. Journal of Comparative Physiology A, 181(4), 415-423.
Journal - Research Article
Sigg, D., Thompson, C. M., & Mercer, A. R. (1997). Activity-dependent changes to the brain and behaviour of the honey bee, Apis mellifera. Journal of Neuroscience, 17(18), 7148-7156.
Journal - Research Article
Armstrong, S. M., Sigg, D., Winnington, A. P., Thompson, C. M., Napper, R. M. A., & Mercer, A. R. (1997). Structural plasticity of the antennal lobes of the worker honey bee, Apis mellifera. American Society for Neuroscience Abstracts.23. [Abstract]
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
Kirchhof, B. S., & Mercer, A. R. (1997). Effects of dopamine and serotonin on neurite length of honey bee antennal-lobe neurons in vitro. American Society for Neuroscience Abstracts.23. [Abstract]
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
Kirchhof, B. S., Ferns, D., & Mercer, A. R. (1997). Development of dopaminergic and serotonergic innervation of the antennal lobes of the honey bee, Apis mellifera. International Journal of Neuroscience.89. [Abstract]
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
Kokay, I. C., & Mercer, A. R. (1996). Characterisation of dopamine receptors in insect (Apis mellifera) brain. Brain Research, 706, 47-56.
Journal - Research Article
Mercer, A. R., Kirchhof, B. S., & Hildebrand, J. G. (1996). Enhancement by serotonin of the growth in vitro of antennal-lobe neurons of the sphinx moth, Manduca sexta. Journal of Neurobiology, 29, 49-64.
Journal - Research Article
Mercer, A. R., Kloppenburg, P., & Hildebrand, J. G. (1996). Serotonin-induced changes in the excitability of cultured antennal-lobe neurons of the sphinx moth, Manduca sexta. Journal of Comparative Physiology A, 178, 21-31.
Journal - Research Article
Stark, L. L., Mercer, A. R., Emptage, N. J., & Carew, T. J. (1996). Pharmacological and kinetic characterization of two functional classes of serotonergic modulation in Aplysia sensory neurons. Journal of Neurophysiology, 75, 855-866.
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Winnington, A. P., Napper, R. M., & Mercer, A. R. (1996). Structural plasicity of identified glomeruli in the antennal lobes of the adult worker honey bee. Journal of Comparative Neurology, 365(3), 479-490.
Journal - Research Article
Oland, L. A., Kirschenbaum, S. R., Pott, W. M., Mercer, A. R., & Tolbert, L. P. (1995). Development of an identified serotonergic neuron in the antennal lobe of the moth and effects of reduction in serotonin during construction of olfactory golmeruli. Journal of Neurobiology, 28, 248-267.
Journal - Research Article