High resolution micro-XRF maps of iron oxides inside sensory dendrites of putative avian magnetoreceptors

Falkenberg, Gerald; Fleissner, Ge.; Fleissner, Gue.; Schuchardt, K.; Kühbacher, M.; Chalmin, Émilie; Janssens, Koen

doi:10.1088/1742-6596/186/1/012084

Cited by 3 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 6 publications

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“…Depending on the expected technical progress which could resolve iron concentrations in thicker sections or even whole mounts where the micro architecture of the iron containing dendrites is preserved and not disturbed by any sectioning process, we will be able to analyze the relative orientation of the dendritic system in greater detail [44] . A precise measurement of the natural variation of the dendritic alignment and bilateral symmetry will be essential for an estimation of the physiological range and dynamics of the sensory system.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Avian Magnetoreception: Elaborate Iron Mineral Containing Dendrites in the Upper Beak Seem to Be a Common Feature of Birds

et al. 2010

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The magnetic field sensors enabling birds to extract orientational information from the Earth's magnetic field have remained enigmatic. Our previously published results from homing pigeons have made us suggest that the iron containing sensory dendrites in the inner dermal lining of the upper beak are a candidate structure for such an avian magnetometer system. Here we show that similar structures occur in two species of migratory birds (garden warbler, Sylvia borin and European robin, Erithacus rubecula) and a non-migratory bird, the domestic chicken (Gallus gallus). In all these bird species, histological data have revealed dendrites of similar shape and size, all containing iron minerals within distinct subcellular compartments of nervous terminals of the median branch of the Nervus ophthalmicus. We also used microscopic X-ray absorption spectroscopy analyses to identify the involved iron minerals to be almost completely Fe III-oxides. Magnetite (Fe II/III) may also occur in these structures, but not as a major Fe constituent. Our data suggest that this complex dendritic system in the beak is a common feature of birds, and that it may form an essential sensory basis for the evolution of at least certain types of magnetic field guided behavior.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Avian Magnetoreception: Elaborate Iron Mineral Containing Dendrites in the Upper Beak Seem to Be a Common Feature of Birds

et al. 2010

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“…However, Prussian blue is not a specific stain for magnetite, and there have been instances where false-positives have led to misidentifications. For example, in the case of homing pigeons, the long-held claim that Prussian blue positive structures in the upper beak are putative magnetoreceptor cells [59,63,64] was overturned by the more recent finding that they are in fact iron-rich macrophages [19,60]. The potential for generating false-positives with the Prussian blue technique highlights the MPM composition problem (i.e.…”

Section: Finding a Magnetic Particle-mediated Magnetoreceptor Systemmentioning

confidence: 99%

Magnetic particle-mediated magnetoreception

Shaw

Boyd

House

et al. 2015

J. R. Soc. Interface.

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Behavioural studies underpin the weight of experimental evidence for the existence of a magnetic sense in animals. In contrast, studies aimed at understanding the mechanistic basis of magnetoreception by determining the anatomical location, structure and function of sensory cells have been inconclusive. In this review, studies attempting to demonstrate the existence of a magnetoreceptor based on the principles of the magnetite hypothesis are examined. Specific attention is given to the range of techniques, and main animal model systems that have been used in the search for magnetite particulates. Anatomical location/cell rarity and composition are identified as two key obstacles that must be addressed in order to make progress in locating and characterizing a magnetite-based magnetoreceptor cell. Avenues for further study are suggested, including the need for novel experimental, correlative, multimodal and multidisciplinary approaches. The aim of this review is to inspire new efforts towards understanding the cellular basis of magnetoreception in animals, which will in turn inform a new era of behavioural research based on first principles.

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“…43 Another way to perform XRF measurements is based on micro-energy dispersive X-ray uorescence spectrometry (m-EDX), where the use of capillary optics or a Synchrotron radiation beam line, equipped with special mirrors, can produce beams for sub-mm range spot sizes. 44 This instrumentation offers high spatial resolution permitting studies relying on elemental mapping, [45][46][47] and also micro-heterogeneity evaluation of solid materials. 48 XRF can also be used for the analysis of plant materials, but samples should be ground to reach a suitable particle size distribution.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Evaluation of micro-energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry for the analysis of plant materials

Guerra¹,

Schaefer²,

Carvalho³

et al. 2013

J. Anal. At. Spectrom.

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High resolution micro-XRF maps of iron oxides inside sensory dendrites of putative avian magnetoreceptors

Cited by 3 publications

References 6 publications

Avian Magnetoreception: Elaborate Iron Mineral Containing Dendrites in the Upper Beak Seem to Be a Common Feature of Birds

Avian Magnetoreception: Elaborate Iron Mineral Containing Dendrites in the Upper Beak Seem to Be a Common Feature of Birds

Magnetic particle-mediated magnetoreception

Evaluation of micro-energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry for the analysis of plant materials

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