Functional Hypoxia in Insects: Definition, Assessment, and Consequences for Physiology, Ecology, and Evolution

Jon Harrison, Kendra J. Greenlee, Wilco C.E.P. Verberk

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

84 Scopus citations

Abstract

Insects can experience functional hypoxia, a situation in which O 2 supply is inadequate to meet oxygen demand. Assessing when functional hypoxia occurs is complex, because responses are graded, age and tissue dependent, and compensatory. Here, we compare information gained from metabolomics and transcriptional approaches and by manipulation of the partial pressure of oxygen. Functional hypoxia produces graded damage, including damaged macromolecules and inflammation. Insects respond by compensatory physiological and morphological changes in the tracheal system, metabolic reorganization, and suppression of activity, feeding, and growth. There is evidence for functional hypoxia in eggs, near the end of juvenile instars, and during molting. Functional hypoxia is more likely in species with lower O 2 availability or transport capacities and when O 2 need is great. Functional hypoxia occurs normally during insect development and is a factor in mediating life-history trade-offs.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)303-325
Number of pages23
JournalAnnual Review of Entomology
Volume63
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 7 2018

Keywords

  • HIF
  • anoxia
  • body size
  • development
  • growth
  • hypoxia
  • temperature
  • ventilation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics
  • Insect Science

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