Functional Characterization of Insect Olfactory Receptor Neurons Through In Vivo Approaches

Insects rely significantly on olfactory cues for recognition and finding of vital resources such as food and mates. Odor detection is mediated by primary sensory neurons housed in individualized cuticular structures, the sensilla. Using microelectrode-based techniques, it is possible to record the nervous activity inside specific sensilla after odor stimulation. We describe in this chapter the methods routinely used in our laboratory to stimulate, record, and analyze the activity of olfactory receptor neurons in moths or flies.