Cited by 80Neurobiology and Insect Physiology ResearchCoffee research and impactsNeuroscience and Neuropharmacology Research

The buzz on caffeine in invertebrates: Effects on behavior and molecular mechanisms

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Mustard, Julie A.·2014·Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences

Abstract

A number of recent studies from as diverse fields as plant-pollinator interactions, analyses of caffeine as an environmental pollutant, and the ability of caffeine to provide protection against neurodegenerative diseases have generated interest in understanding the actions of caffeine in invertebrates. This review summarizes what is currently known about the effects of caffeine on behavior and its molecular mechanisms in invertebrates. Caffeine appears to have similar effects on locomotion and sleep in both invertebrates and mammals. Furthermore, as in mammals, caffeine appears to have complex effects on learning and memory. However, the underlying mechanisms for these effects may differ between invertebrates and vertebrates. While caffeine's ability to cause release of intracellular calcium stores via ryanodine receptors and its actions as a phosphodiesterase inhibitor have been clearly established in invertebrates, its ability to interact with invertebrate adenosine receptors remains an important open question. Initial studies in insects and mollusks suggest an interaction between caffeine and the dopamine signaling pathway; more work needs to be done to understand the mechanisms by which caffeine influences signaling via biogenic amines. As of yet, little is known about whether other actions of caffeine in vertebrates, such as its effects on GABAA and glycine receptors, are conserved. Furthermore, the pharmacokinetics of caffeine remains to be elucidated. Overall behavioral responses to caffeine appear to be conserved amongst organisms; however, we are just beginning to understand the mechanisms underlying its effects across animal phyla.

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Authors
Mustard, J. A.
Affiliations
Arizona State University (US)
Corresponding author
Mustard, Julie A.
Venue
Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences
Published
2013-10-26
Volume
71
Issue
8
Pages
1375-1382
ISSN
  • 1420-682X (ISSN-L)
  • 1420-9071
OpenAlex
W2039211169
Cited by
80
References
93
Citations by year
2026: 13 · 2025: 5 · 2024: 3 · 2023: 12 · 2022: 9 · 2021: 4 · 2020: 6 · 2019: 4 · 2018: 2 · 2017: 7 · 2016: 8 · 2015: 4 · 2014: 2
FWCI
0.48
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences (publishedVersion)
  • Europe PMC (PubMed Central) (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders
National Institute on Drug Abuse (R03DA017694)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience › Neurobiology and Insect Physiology Research
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Pharmacology › Coffee research and impacts
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience › Neuroscience and Neuropharmacology Research
Keywords
caffeine, invertebrates, locomotion, sleep, learning and memory, ryanodine receptor, intracellular calcium release, phosphodiesterase inhibition, adenosine receptors, dopamine signaling, biogenic amines, GABAA receptor, glycine receptor, caffeine pharmacokinetics, plant-pollinator interactions, environmental pollutants
MeSH terms
Animals, Behavior, Animal, Caffeine, Invertebrates, Learning, Locomotion, Species Specificity, Molecular Structure, Receptors, Purinergic P1, Ryanodine Receptor Calcium Release Channel

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