D3166: The effects of recombinant erythropoietin on synaptogenesis in Camponotus floridanus

The vertebrate hormone erythropoietin is primarily responsible for regulating internal systems under hypoxic conditions. Recent studies have found that recombinant erythropoietin has had neurological enhancing effects in invertebrates (Dmytriyeva et. al, 2016; Hahn et. al, 2019; Hellewell et. al, 2013; Ostrowski et. al, 2019). In these previous research studies, invertebrates of the orders Mecopteran and Neuropteran were studied. However, invertebrates of the Hymenoptera order have not been studied. The experimental supplementation of recombinant erythropoietin to Camponotus floridanus, otherwise known as ants, will allow for further exploratory research on its neurological effects. The evolutionary relationship between these three entomological orders can be identified, as well as related in functionality. The aim of the study is to determine the relationship between recombinant erythropoietin and synaptogenesis amongst insects within the Hymenoptera order, particularly Camponotus floridanus.