Odor processing in the honeybee’s antennal lobe glomeruli: modeling sensory memory

Based on precise data collected from experiments conducted at different organizational levels (anatomy, electrophysiology and behavior), we propose an investigation of the possible mechanisms of sensory memory in the bee’s olfactory system. In this goal, we have investigated the modulation and control between the two levels of olfactory information processing, the antennal lobe glomeruli and the mushroom bodies. We use simplified neurons, but realistic architecture. As a first conclusion, we postulate that sensory memory may be achieved by modulation of the inhibitory synaptic activity of antennal lobe neurons. These first results are in good accordance with behavioral and pharmacological data.