Pit organ-based infrared discrimination sensitivity and signal transduction in the Burmese python (Python molurus bivitattus)

• Published in: Behavioural brain research 2022-07, Vol.429, p.113910-113910, Article 113910
• Main Authors: Emer, Sherri A., Grace, Michael S., Mora, Cordula V., Harvey, Mark T.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Conditioned response; Snake; Thermal discrimination behavior; Thermal targeting; Thermoreceptor; TRPA1
• ISSN: 0166-4328; 1872-7549
• DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2022.113910

Burmese pythons (Python molurus bivitattus) use a unique infrared (IR) targeting system to acquire prey, avoid predators and seek thermoregulatory sites through detection of IR energy in the environment. Previous studies of sensitivity of the python IR system that relied on analysis of complex, natural behaviors lacked robust, reliable responses in animals habituated to experiments, and in vitro electrophysiological study failed to test behavioral function of the implicated protein thermoreceptor, TRPA1. The present study used conditioned discrimination procedures to analyze behavioral sensitivity and signal transduction in the python IR system. Pythons trained to behaviorally discriminate thermal stimuli averaged 70% correct choices, but failed to make correct choices when pit organs were physically occluded with IR-blocking material. The pythons exhibited greater sensitivity to thermal stimuli than previously reported, evident by correct choices that exceeded chance in response to a 14 × 10−6 W cm−2 irradiance contrast, or 0.5 °C thermal differential. Finally, in a test of the behavioral role of the putative thermoreceptor protein TRPA1, despite pit organ treatment with a TRPA1 inhibitor, python performance exceeded chance and was similar to baseline discrimination and control trials. Collectively, the results suggest that the IR system is a high sensitivity, broad-spectrum thermosensor that may operate through different and/or multiple thermoreceptive proteins with overlapping spectral response profiles. The findings reported here provide a better understanding of the relationship between the brain, behavior and environment in driving survival and ecological success of the Burmese python, especially as an invasive megapredator in the southern United States. •Pythons perform a conditioned response to thermal stimuli.•Pythons reporting detection of a thermal stimulus exhibit greater-than-chance performance.•Pythons guess when pit organs are physically occluded.•Pythons detect broad range and small thermal differentials.•Python performance exceeds chance when pit organs treated with TRPA1 inhibitor.