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Batista KKS, Vieira CS, Figueiredo MB, Costa-Latgé SG, Azambuja P, Genta FA, Castro DP. Influence of Serratia marcescens and Rhodococcus rhodnii on the Humoral Immunity of Rhodnius prolixus. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222010901. [PMID: 34681561 PMCID: PMC8536199 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222010901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease is a human infectious disease caused by Trypanosoma cruzi and can be transmitted by triatomine vectors, such as Rhodnius prolixus. One limiting factor for T. cruzi development is the composition of the bacterial gut microbiota in the triatomine. Herein, we analyzed the humoral immune responses of R. prolixus nymphs treated with antibiotics and subsequently recolonized with either Serratia marcescens or Rhodococcus rhodnii. The treatment with antibiotics reduced the bacterial load in the digestive tract, and the recolonization with each bacterium was successfully detected seven days after treatment. The antibiotic-treated insects, recolonized with S. marcescens, presented reduced antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and phenoloxidase activity in hemolymph, and lower nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and higher defensin C gene (DefC) gene expression in the fat body. These insects also presented a higher expression of DefC, lower prolixicin (Prol), and lower NOS levels in the anterior midgut. However, the antibiotic-treated insects recolonized with R. rhodnii had increased antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and lower activity against S. aureus, higher phenoloxidase activity in hemolymph, and lower NOS expression in the fat body. In the anterior midgut, these insects presented higher NOS, defensin A (DefA) and DefC expression, and lower Prol expression. The R. prolixus immune modulation by these two bacteria was observed not only in the midgut, but also systemically in the fat body, and may be crucial for the development and transmission of the parasites Trypanosoma cruzi and Trypanosoma rangeli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate K. S. Batista
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (IOC/Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil; (K.K.S.B.); (C.S.V.); (S.G.C.-L.); (F.A.G.)
| | - Cecília S. Vieira
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (IOC/Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil; (K.K.S.B.); (C.S.V.); (S.G.C.-L.); (F.A.G.)
| | | | - Samara G. Costa-Latgé
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (IOC/Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil; (K.K.S.B.); (C.S.V.); (S.G.C.-L.); (F.A.G.)
| | - Patrícia Azambuja
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niteroi 24210-201, Brazil;
- Departamento de Entomologia Molecular, Instituto Nacional de Entomologia Molecular (INCT-EM), Rio de Janeiro 21941-599, Brazil
| | - Fernando A. Genta
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (IOC/Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil; (K.K.S.B.); (C.S.V.); (S.G.C.-L.); (F.A.G.)
- Departamento de Entomologia Molecular, Instituto Nacional de Entomologia Molecular (INCT-EM), Rio de Janeiro 21941-599, Brazil
| | - Daniele P. Castro
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (IOC/Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil; (K.K.S.B.); (C.S.V.); (S.G.C.-L.); (F.A.G.)
- Departamento de Entomologia Molecular, Instituto Nacional de Entomologia Molecular (INCT-EM), Rio de Janeiro 21941-599, Brazil
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-21-3865-8184
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Han CY, Issa H, Rychtář J, Taylor D, Umana N. A voluntary use of insecticide treated nets can stop the vector transmission of Chagas disease. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008833. [PMID: 33141850 PMCID: PMC7671556 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the stated goals of the London Declaration on Neglected Tropical Diseases is the interruption of domiciliary transmissions of Chagas disease in the region of the Americas. We used a game-theoretic approach to assess the voluntary use of insecticide treated nets (ITNs) in the prevention of the spread of infection through vector bites. Our results show that individuals behave rationally and weigh the risks of insect bites against the cost of the ITNs. The optimal voluntary use of ITNs results in predicted incidence rates that closely track the real incidence rates in Latin America. This means that ITNs are effective and could be used to control the spread of the disease by relying on individual decisions rather than centralized policies. Our model shows that to completely eradicate the vector transmission through the voluntary individual use of ITNs, the cost of ITNs should be as low as possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheol Yong Han
- Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Habeeb Issa
- Department of Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Jan Rychtář
- Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Dewey Taylor
- Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Nancy Umana
- Department of Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
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Kappaun K, Martinelli AHS, Broll V, Zambelli B, Lopes FC, Ligabue-Braun R, Fruttero LL, Moyetta NR, Bonan CD, Carlini CR, Ciurli S. Soyuretox, an Intrinsically Disordered Polypeptide Derived from Soybean (Glycine Max) Ubiquitous Urease with Potential Use as a Biopesticide. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E5401. [PMID: 31671552 PMCID: PMC6862595 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20215401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Revised: 10/27/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Ureases from different biological sources display non-ureolytic properties that contribute to plant defense, in addition to their classical enzymatic urea hydrolysis. Antifungal and entomotoxic effects were demonstrated for Jaburetox, an intrinsically disordered polypeptide derived from jack bean (Canavalia ensiformis) urease. Here we describe the properties of Soyuretox, a polypeptide derived from soybean (Glycine max) ubiquitous urease. Soyuretox was fungitoxic to Candida albicans, leading to the production of reactive oxygen species. Soyuretox further induced aggregation of Rhodnius prolixus hemocytes, indicating an interference on the insect immune response. No relevant toxicity of Soyuretox to zebrafish larvae was observed. These data suggest the presence of antifungal and entomotoxic portions of the amino acid sequences encompassing both Soyuretox and Jaburetox, despite their small sequence identity. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopic data revealed that Soyuretox, in analogy with Jaburetox, possesses an intrinsic and largely disordered nature. Some folding is observed upon interaction of Soyuretox with sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) micelles, taken here as models for membranes. This observation suggests the possibility for this protein to modify its secondary structure upon interaction with the cells of the affected organisms, leading to alterations of membrane integrity. Altogether, Soyuretox can be considered a promising biopesticide for use in plant protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karine Kappaun
- Graduate Program in Medicine and Health Sciences, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre 90610-000, RS, Brazil.
| | - Anne H S Martinelli
- Department of Biophysics and Center of Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, UFRGS, Porto Alegre 91501-970, RS, Brazil.
| | - Valquiria Broll
- Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center of Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, UFRGS, Porto Alegre 91501-970, RS, Brazil.
- Laboratory of Bioinorganic Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, 40127 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Barbara Zambelli
- Laboratory of Bioinorganic Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, 40127 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Fernanda C Lopes
- Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center of Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, UFRGS, Porto Alegre 91501-970, RS, Brazil.
| | - Rodrigo Ligabue-Braun
- Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center of Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, UFRGS, Porto Alegre 91501-970, RS, Brazil.
| | - Leonardo L Fruttero
- Graduate Program in Medicine and Health Sciences, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre 90610-000, RS, Brazil.
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, CIBICI-CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Quimicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba 5000, Argentina.
| | - Natalia R Moyetta
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, CIBICI-CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Quimicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba 5000, Argentina.
| | - Carla D Bonan
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre 91501-970, RS, Brazil.
| | - Celia R Carlini
- Graduate Program in Medicine and Health Sciences, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre 90610-000, RS, Brazil.
- Brain Institute-InsCer, Laboratory of Neurotoxins, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre 90610-000, RS, Brazil.
| | - Stefano Ciurli
- Laboratory of Bioinorganic Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, 40127 Bologna, Italy.
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Franco TA, Xu P, Brito NF, Oliveira DS, Wen X, Moreira MF, Unelius CR, Leal WS, Melo ACA. Reverse chemical ecology-based approach leading to the accidental discovery of repellents for Rhodnius prolixus, a vector of Chagas diseases refractory to DEET. Insect Biochem Mol Biol 2018; 103:46-52. [PMID: 30401626 PMCID: PMC6278923 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2018.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2018] [Accepted: 10/19/2018] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Rhodnius prolixus is one of the most important vectors of Chagas disease in Central and South America for which repellents and attractants are sorely needed. Repellents like DEET, picaridin, and IR3535 are widely used as the first line of defense against mosquitoes and other vectors, but they are ineffective against R. prolixus. Our initial goal was to identify in R. prolixus genome odorant receptors sensitive to putative sex pheromones. We compared gene expression of 21 ORs in the R. prolixus genome, identified 4 ORs enriched in male (compared with female) antennae. Attempts to de-orphanize these ORs using the Xenopus oocyte recording system showed that none of them responded to putative sex pheromone constituents. One of the them, RproOR80, was sensitive to 4 compounds in our panel of 109 odorants, namely, 2-heptanone, γ-octalactone, acetophenone, and 4-methylcychohexanol. Interestingly, these compounds, particularly 4-methylcyclohexanol, showed strong repellency activity as indicated not only by a significant decrease in residence time close to a host, but also by a remarkable reduction in blood intake. 4-Methylcyclohexanol-elicited repellency activity was abolished in RNAi-treated insects. In summary, our search for pheromone receptors led to the discovery of repellents for R. prolixus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thiago A Franco
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Instituto de Química, 21941-909, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Pingxi Xu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Nathália F Brito
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Instituto de Química, 21941-909, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Daniele S Oliveira
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Instituto de Química, 21941-909, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Xiaolan Wen
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Monica F Moreira
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Instituto de Química, 21941-909, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - C Rikard Unelius
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Linnaeus University, Kalmar, Sweden
| | - Walter S Leal
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA.
| | - Ana C A Melo
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Instituto de Química, 21941-909, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
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Silva-Cardoso L, Dias FA, Fampa P, Pereira MG, Atella GC. Evaluating the effects of anticoagulants on Rhodnius prolixus artificial blood feeding. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0206979. [PMID: 30496298 PMCID: PMC6264878 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0206979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2018] [Accepted: 10/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Blood-sucking insects are responsible for the transmission of several important disease-causing organisms such as viruses, bacteria, and protozoans. The hematophagous hemipteran Rhodnius prolixus is one of the most important vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiological agent of Chagas disease. Due to the medical importance of this insect, it has been used as a study model in physiology and biochemistry since the 1930s. Artificial feeding has been recognized as a feasible and a more ethical alternative method of feeding these hematophagous insects. To prevent clotting after blood collection defibrination or treatment with anticoagulants are necessary. Although anticoagulants have been routinely used for stabilizing the collected blood, there is a gap in demonstration of the effects of using anticoagulants on the feeding and development of the hematophagous insect Rhodnius prolixus. In this study, we compared the survival rate, molting efficiency, fertility, and infection development between insects that were fed on blood containing three different anticoagulants (citrate, EDTA, and heparin). We observed that fifth instar nymphs that were fed on blood containing EDTA and citrate could not perform digestion properly, which resulted in molting inefficiency. Adult insects that were fed on EDTA-containing blood laid lower number of eggs, and also had a diminished egg hatch percentage. When we delivered T. cruzi parasites in blood containing citrate or EDTA to the insects, a lower number of parasites and metacyclic trypomastigotes was observed in the intestine compared to the group fed on heparin-containing blood. Since heparin could potentially inhibit DNA polymerase activity in DNA samples extracted from the intestine, we analyzed different heparin concentrations to determine which one is the best for use as an anticoagulant. Concentrations ranging between 2.5 and 5 U/mL were able to inhibit coagulation without severely impairing DNA polymerase activity, thus indicating that this should be considered as the range of use for feeding experiments. Our results suggest that among the three anticoagulants tested, heparin can be recommended as the anticoagulant of choice for R. prolixus feeding experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lívia Silva-Cardoso
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Felipe A. Dias
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Patricia Fampa
- Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Miria G. Pereira
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Georgia C. Atella
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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Tabares M, Ortiz M, Gonzalez M, Carazzone C, Vives Florez MJ, Molina J. Behavioral responses of Rhodnius prolixus to volatile organic compounds released in vitro by bacteria isolated from human facial skin. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2018; 12:e0006423. [PMID: 29684012 PMCID: PMC5933807 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2017] [Revised: 05/03/2018] [Accepted: 04/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Previous studies have demonstrated the role of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced by skin microbiota in the attraction of mosquitoes to humans. Recently, behavioral experiments confirmed the importance of VOCs released by skin microbiota in the attraction of Rhodnius prolixus (Hemiptera: Triatominae), a vector of Chagas disease. Methods/Findings In this study, we screened for VOCs released in vitro by bacteria isolated from human facial skin that were able to elicit behavioral responses in R. prolixus. The VOCs released in vitro by eight bacterial species during two growth phases were tested with adult Rhodnius prolixus insects using a dual-choice “T”-shaped olfactometer. In addition, the VOCs released by the bacteria were analyzed with headspace solid-phase microextraction gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS). The VOCs produced by Staphylococcus capitis 11C, Staphylococcus warneri and Staphylococcus epidermidis 1 were attractive to R. prolixus, while the VOCs released by Citrobacter koseri 6P, Brevibacterium epidermidis and Micrococcus luteus 23 were non-attractive. Conclusions The results shown here indicate that VOCs released by bacteria isolated from human facial skin have a potential for biotechnological uses as a strategy to prevent the vectorial transmission of Chagas disease mediated by Rhodnius prolixus. Volatile organic compounds released by bacteria growing on human skin are mediating human-blood-sucking insects interactions. In this study we were interested in those volatile organic compounds produced in vitro by skin bacterial metabolism that are involved in the Rhodnius prolixus interaction with humans. Rhodnius prolixus is the main vector of Chagas disease in Northern South America. Using behavioral experiments, chemical analysis and microbiological techniques we determined the volatile organic compounds released in vitro by bacteria isolated from human faces and its effects on Rhodnius prolixus. We found that most of the Staphylococcus species tested here are mediating attraction, while non-Staphylococcus species are non-attractive. As a conclusion, our results showed that volatile organic compounds released by bacteria isolated from human faces have a potential for biotechnological uses as a strategy to control the vectorial transmission of Chagas disease mediated by Rhodnius prolixus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcela Tabares
- Centro de Investigaciones Microbiológicas (CIMIC), Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Mario Ortiz
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Tropical (CIMPAT), Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Mabel Gonzalez
- Laboratory of Advanced Analytical Techniques in Natural Products (LATNAP), Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Chiara Carazzone
- Laboratory of Advanced Analytical Techniques in Natural Products (LATNAP), Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Martha J. Vives Florez
- Centro de Investigaciones Microbiológicas (CIMIC), Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Jorge Molina
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Tropical (CIMPAT), Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
- * E-mail:
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Fruttero LL, Moyetta NR, Krug MS, Broll V, Grahl MVC, Real-Guerra R, Stanisçuaski F, Carlini CR. Jaburetox affects gene expression and enzyme activities in Rhodnius prolixus, a Chagas' disease vector. Acta Trop 2017; 168:54-63. [PMID: 28108369 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2017.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2016] [Revised: 01/09/2017] [Accepted: 01/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Jaburetox, a recombinant peptide of ∼11kDa derived from one of the Canavalia ensiformis (Jack Bean) urease isoforms, is toxic and lethal to insects belonging to different orders when administered orally or via injection. Previous findings indicated that Jaburetox acts on insects in a complex fashion, inhibiting diuresis and the transmembrane potential of Malpighian tubules, interfering with muscle contractility and affecting the immune system. In vitro, Jaburetox forms ionic channels and alters permeability of artificial lipid membranes. Moreover, recent data suggested that the central nervous system (CNS) is a target organ for ureases and Jaburetox. In this work, we employed biochemical, molecular and cellular approaches to explore the mode of action of Jaburetox using Rhodnius prolixus, one of the main Chagas' disease vectors, as experimental model. In vitro incubations with fluorescently labeled Jaburetox indicated a high affinity of the peptide for the CNS but not for salivary glands (SG). The in vitro treatment of CNS or SG homogenates with Jaburetox partially inhibited the activity of nitric oxide synthase (NOS), thus disrupting nitrinergic signaling. This inhibitory effect was also observed in vivo (by feeding) for CNS but not for SG, implying differential modulation of NOS in these organs. The inhibition of NOS activity did not correlate to a decrease in expression of its mRNA, as assessed by qPCR. UDP-N-acetylglucosamine pyrophosphorylase (UAP), a key enzyme in chitin synthesis and glycosylation pathways and a known target of Jaburetox in insect CNS, was also affected in SG, with activation of the enzyme seen after both in vivo or in vitro treatments with the peptide. Unexpectedly, incubation of Jaburetox with a recombinant R. prolixus UAP had no effect on its activity, implying that the enzyme's modulation by the peptide requires the participation of other factor(s) present in CNS or SG homogenates. Feeding Jaburetox to R. prolixus decreased the mRNA levels of UAP and chitin synthase, indicating a complex regulation exerted by the peptide on these enzymes. No changes were observed upon Jaburetox treatment in vivo and in vitro on the activity of the enzyme acid phosphatase, a possible link between UAP and NOS. Here we have demonstrated for the first time that the Jaburetox induces changes in gene expression and that SG are another target for the toxic action of the peptide. Taken together, these findings contribute to a better understanding of the mechanism of action of Jaburetox as well as to the knowledge on basic aspects of the biochemistry and neurophysiology of insects, and might help in the development of optimized strategies for insect control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo L Fruttero
- Brain Institute (Instituto do Cérebro-INSCER), Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Ipiranga 6690, prédio 63, CEP 90610-000, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; Center of Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9500, prédio 43431, CEP 91501-970, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
| | - Natalia R Moyetta
- Brain Institute (Instituto do Cérebro-INSCER), Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Ipiranga 6690, prédio 63, CEP 90610-000, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
| | - Monique Siebra Krug
- Center of Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9500, prédio 43431, CEP 91501-970, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
| | - Valquiria Broll
- Center of Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9500, prédio 43431, CEP 91501-970, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
| | - Matheus V Coste Grahl
- Brain Institute (Instituto do Cérebro-INSCER), Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Ipiranga 6690, prédio 63, CEP 90610-000, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
| | - Rafael Real-Guerra
- Center of Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9500, prédio 43431, CEP 91501-970, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
| | - Fernanda Stanisçuaski
- Center of Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9500, prédio 43431, CEP 91501-970, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9500, prédio 43431, CEP 91501-970, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
| | - Celia R Carlini
- Brain Institute (Instituto do Cérebro-INSCER), Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Ipiranga 6690, prédio 63, CEP 90610-000, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; Center of Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9500, prédio 43431, CEP 91501-970, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
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8
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Pontes G, Pereira MH, Barrozo RB. Salt controls feeding decisions in a blood-sucking insect. J Insect Physiol 2017; 98:93-100. [PMID: 27989677 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2016.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2016] [Revised: 12/07/2016] [Accepted: 12/10/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Salts are necessary for maintaining homeostatic conditions within the body of all living organisms. Like with all essential nutrients, deficient or excessive ingestion of salts can result in adverse health effects. The taste system is a primary sensory modality that helps animals to make adequate feeding decisions in terms of salt consumption. In this work we show that sodium and potassium chloride salts modulate the feeding behavior of Rhodnius prolixus in a concentration-dependent manner. Feeding is only triggered by an optimal concentration of any of these salts (0.1-0.15M) and in presence of the phagostimulant ATP. Conversely, feeding solutions that do not contain salts or have a high-salt concentration (>0.3M) are not ingested by insects. Notably, we show that feeding decisions of insects cannot be explained as an osmotic effect, because they still feed over hyperosmotic solutions bearing the optimal salt concentration. Insects perceive optimal-salt, no-salt and high-salt solutions as different gustatory information, as revealed the electromyogram recordings of the cibarial pump. Moreover, because insects do a continuous gustatory monitoring of the incoming food during feeding, sudden changes beyond the optimal sodium concentration decrease and even inhibit feeding. The administration of amiloride, a sodium channel blocker, noticeably reduces the ingestion of the optimal sodium solution but not of the optimal potassium solution. Salt detection seems to occur at least through two salt receptors, one amiloride-sensitive and another amiloride-insensitive. Our results confirm the importance of the gustatory system in R. prolixus, showing the relevant role that salts play on their feeding decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gina Pontes
- Grupo de Neuroetología de Insectos Vectores, Laboratorio Fisiología de Insectos, IBBEA, CONICET-UBA, DBBE, Facultad Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, BA, Argentina
| | - Marcos H Pereira
- Laboratório de Fisiologia de Insetos Hematófagos, Departamento de Parasitologia, ICB, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Romina B Barrozo
- Grupo de Neuroetología de Insectos Vectores, Laboratorio Fisiología de Insectos, IBBEA, CONICET-UBA, DBBE, Facultad Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, BA, Argentina.
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9
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Abstract
Rhodnius prolixus (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) is a hematophagous insect native from South America. By the end of the 20th century, it was one of the main vectors of Chagas disease in Venezuela, Colombia, several Central American countries and southern Mexico. The aim of the present article is to review the literature regarding R. prolixus toxicology. British entomologist Vincent B. Wigglesworth carried out the first studies on this subject over seventy years ago. A wide bibliographical search allowed to locate one hundred and thirty scientific articles describing the effects of different insecticides on R. prolixus. About one-third of these articles report the acute toxicity and/or sublethal effects produced by the main synthetic neurotoxic families of insecticides (organochlorines, organophosphates, carbamates and pyrethroids). Only a couple of these studies have regarded the toxicokinetics or toxicodynamics of these insecticides. Insect growth or development disruptors, such as juvenoids, chitin synthesis inhibitors, precocenes, azadirachtin and lignoids, have been thoroughly studied in R. prolixus. Important aspects on the mode of action of ureases were also described in this species. By the end of the 1960's, resistance to insecticides was detected in R. prolixus from Venezuela. Some years later, the existence of pyrethroid-resistant individuals was also reported. Control programmes for R. prolixus in countries where Chagas is endemic have only used synthetic neurotoxic insecticides. In 2011, Central America and southern Mexico were declared free of this insect. The recent sequencing of the R. prolixus genome will provide valuable information to understand the molecular basis of insecticide resistance in this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raúl A Alzogaray
- UNIDEF, CITEDEF, CONICET, CIPEIN, Villa Martelli, Argentina; Instituto de Investigación e Ingeniería Ambiental (3IA), Universidad Nacional de San Martín, San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Eduardo N Zerba
- UNIDEF, CITEDEF, CONICET, CIPEIN, Villa Martelli, Argentina; Instituto de Investigación e Ingeniería Ambiental (3IA), Universidad Nacional de San Martín, San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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10
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Villalobos-Sambucaro MJ, Diambra LA, Noriega FG, Ronderos JR. Allatostatin-C antagonizes the synergistic myostimulatory effect of allatotropin and serotonin in Rhodnius prolixus (Stal). Gen Comp Endocrinol 2016; 233:1-7. [PMID: 27174746 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2016.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2015] [Revised: 05/04/2016] [Accepted: 05/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Haematophagous insects can ingest large quantities of blood in a single meal producing a large quantity of urine in the following hours to eliminate the excess of water and mineral ions incorporated. The excretory activity of the Malpighian tubules is facilitated by an increase in haemolymph circulation as a result of the intensification of aorta contractions, combined with an increase of anterior midgut peristaltic waves. We have recently shown that haemolymph circulation during post-prandial diuresis is modulated by the synergistic activity of allatotropin (AT) and serotonin, resulting in an increase in aorta and crop contraction rates. In the present study we describe the antagonistic effect of allatostatin-C (AST-C) on the increase of aorta frequency of contractions induced by serotonin/AT in Rhodnius prolixus. The administration of AST-C counteracted the increase in the frequency induced by the treatment with serotonin/AT, but did not affect the increase in frequency induced by the administration of serotonin alone, suggesting that AST-C is altering the synergism between serotonin and AT. Furthermore, the administration of AST-C during post-prandial diuresis decreases the number of peristaltic waves of the anterior midgut. The AST-C putative receptor is expressed in the hindgut, midgut and dorsal vessel, three critical organs involved in post-prandial diuresis. All together these findings provide evidence that AST-C plays a key role as a myoregulatory and cardioregulatory peptide in R. prolixus.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Fernando Gabriel Noriega
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA; Biomolecular Science Institute, Florida International University, Miami, USA
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11
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Lange AB, Nachman RJ, Kaczmarek K, Zabrocki J. Biostable insect kinin analogs reduce blood meal and disrupt ecdysis in the blood-gorging Chagas' disease vector, Rhodnius prolixus. Peptides 2016; 80:108-113. [PMID: 26807486 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2016.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2015] [Revised: 01/13/2016] [Accepted: 01/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Rhodnius prolixus is a blood-gorging hemipteran that takes blood meals that are approximately 10 times its body weight. This blood meal is crucial for growth and development and is needed to ensure a successful molt into the next instar. Kinins are a multifunctional family of neuropeptides which have been shown to play a role in the control of feeding in a variety of insects. In this study, two biostable Aib-containing kinin analogs were tested to see if they interfere with blood-feeding and subsequent development into the next instar. One of the analogs, 1729 (Ac-R[Aib]FF[Aib]WGa), had no effect on the size of the blood meal or on the subsequent molting of the insect into the next instar. This analog also did not interfere with either short-term or long-term diuresis. The second analog, 1728 ([Aib]FF[Aib]WGa), appeared to be an antifeedant. Insects feeding on blood containing this analog (15μM) only consumed 60% of the blood meal taken by insects fed on blood without analog. Insects feeding on blood containing 1728 had a slower rate of rapid diuresis (diuresis in the first 3-5h after feeding) leading to less urine being excreted by 5days post feeding. The consequence of these effects was that insects fed on 1728 did not molt. This data indicates that the biostable Aib-containing analog 1728 disrupts normal growth and development in the blood-feeding insect, R. prolixus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela B Lange
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6, Canada.
| | - Ronald J Nachman
- Insect Control and Cotton Disease Research, Southern Plains Agricultural Research Center, USDA, College Station, TX 77845, USA
| | - Krzysztof Kaczmarek
- Insect Control and Cotton Disease Research, Southern Plains Agricultural Research Center, USDA, College Station, TX 77845, USA; Institute of Organic Chemistry, Lodz University of Technology, 90-924 Lodz, Poland
| | - Janusz Zabrocki
- Insect Control and Cotton Disease Research, Southern Plains Agricultural Research Center, USDA, College Station, TX 77845, USA; Institute of Organic Chemistry, Lodz University of Technology, 90-924 Lodz, Poland
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12
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Alzogaray RA. Behavioral and Toxicological Responses of Rhodnius prolixus (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) to the Insect Repellents DEET and IR3535. J Med Entomol 2016; 53:387-393. [PMID: 26637386 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjv194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide (DEET) is a broad-spectrum insect repellent used by millions of people since the 1950s. Ethyl 3-[acetyl(butyl)amino]propanoate (IR3535) is a repellent developed more recently that is still not used as extensively. This study compares the behavioral and toxicological effects of both substances in fifth-instar nymphs of the blood-sucking bug Rhodnius prolixus Stål (Hemiptera: Reduviidae), one of the main vectors of American trypanosomiasis (Chagas disease). Repellency was quantified using filter paper discs as experimental arenas. Half the discs were treated with solution of repellent in acetone, and the other half with acetone alone. The lowest observed effect level was identical for both substances, 74 µg/cm2. Nymph age (between 1-3 h and 99 d from last ecdysis) had no influence on repellency. Topical application of 750 µg of DEET per nymph produced a mortality rate between 0% (24 h after application) and 40% (7 d later). The same dose of IR3535 produced no mortality during the same period of time. Simultaneous treatment with piperonylbutoxide (a mixed function microsomal oxidase inhibitor) synergized the lethal effect of DEET. Only DEET increased locomotor activity in nymphs exposed to a treated surface. Nymph antennectomy abolished DEET repellency but not its effect on locomotor activity. The concentrations of both these compounds required to produce either behavioral or toxicological effects are too high to have any practical applications in the control of R. prolixus.
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13
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Sedra L, Haddad AS, Lange AB. Myoinhibitors controlling oviduct contraction within the female blood-gorging insect, Rhodnius prolixus. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2015; 211:62-8. [PMID: 25482544 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2014.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2014] [Revised: 11/12/2014] [Accepted: 11/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Muscle activity can be regulated by stimulatory and inhibitory neuropeptides allowing for contraction and relaxation. There are various families of neuropeptides that can be classified as inhibitors of insect muscle contraction. This study focuses on Rhodnius prolixus and three neuropeptide families that have been shown to be myoinhibitors in insects: A-type allatostatins, myoinhibiting peptides (B-type allatostatins) and myosuppressins. FGLa/AST-like immunoreactive axons and blebs were found on the anterior of the dorsal vessel and on the abdominal nerves. FGLa/AST-like immunoreactive axons were also seen in the trunk nerves and on the bursa. The effects of RhoprAST-2 (FGLa/AST or A-type allatostatins) and RhoprMIP-4 (MIP/AST or B-type allatostatins) were similar, producing dose-dependent inhibition of R. prolixus spontaneous oviduct contractions with a maximum of 70% inhibition and an EC50 at approximately 10(-8)M. The myosuppressin of R. prolixus (RhoprMS) has an unusual FMRFamide C-terminal motif (pQDIDHVFMRFa) as compared to myosuppressins from other insects. Quantitative PCR results show that the RhoprMS receptor transcript is present in adult female oviducts; however, RhoprMS does not have an inhibitory effect on R. prolixus oviduct contractions, but does have a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on the spontaneous contraction of Locusta migratoria oviducts. SchistoFLRFamide, the myosuppressin of Schistocerca gregaria and L. migratoria, also does not inhibit R. prolixus oviduct contractions. This implies that FGLa/ASTs and MIP/ASTs may play a role in regulating egg movement within the oviducts, and that the myosuppressin although myoinhibitory on other muscles in R. prolixus, does not inhibit the contractions of R. prolixus oviducts and may play another role in the reproductive system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Sedra
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6, Canada.
| | - Amir S Haddad
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6, Canada
| | - Angela B Lange
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6, Canada.
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14
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Lutz A, Sfara V, Alzogaray RA. Repellence produced by monoterpenes on Rhodnius prolixus (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) decreases after continuous exposure to these compounds. J Insect Sci 2014; 14:254. [PMID: 25525113 PMCID: PMC5634126 DOI: 10.1093/jisesa/ieu116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2013] [Accepted: 02/18/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Botanical monoterpenes are secondary metabolites present in essential oils produced by plants. Some of them are insect repellents. The bloodsucking bug Rhodnius prolixus Ståhl (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) is one of the main vectors of Chagas disease in the north of South America and some countries in Central America. In this study, we studied the repellence produced by two monoterpenes, menthyl acetate and geraniol, on fifth instar nymphs of R. prolixus. In the absence of other stimuli, both menthyl acetate and geraniol produced a repellent effect from 740 μg/cm(2) and 74 μg/cm(2), respectively. Pre-exposure to each monoterpene reduced the repellent activity produced by the same substance. Additionally, pre-exposure to one monoterpene decreased the behavioral response of the nymphs to the other one. The repellent effect of both monoterpenes also decreased when nymphs' antennae were previously treated with the nitric oxide donor S-nitroso-N-acetyl-cysteine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandra Lutz
- Cátedra de Sanidad Vegetal, Departamento de Producción Vegetal, Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Provincia de Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Valeria Sfara
- Centro de Investigaciones de Plagas e Insecticidas (CIPEIN-UNIDEF-CONICET), JB de La Salle 4397, (1603) Villa Martelli, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina Instituto de Investigación e Ingeniería Ambiental, Universidad Nacional de San Martín, San Martín, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Raúl Adolfo Alzogaray
- Centro de Investigaciones de Plagas e Insecticidas (CIPEIN-UNIDEF-CONICET), JB de La Salle 4397, (1603) Villa Martelli, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina Instituto de Investigación e Ingeniería Ambiental, Universidad Nacional de San Martín, San Martín, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina
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15
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Guidobaldi F, Guerenstein PG. Evaluation of a CO2 -free commercial mosquito attractant to capture triatomines in the laboratory. J Vector Ecol 2013; 38:245-250. [PMID: 24581352 DOI: 10.1111/j.1948-7134.2013.12037.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2013] [Accepted: 04/18/2013] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Efforts have been made to develop vertebrate odor-based attractants to lure hematophagous triatomines into traps. However, more work is needed to reach a practical, cheap, and efficient odor lure. We carried out attraction and capture tests in a dual-choice olfactometer and a pitfall trap. Here we report that a three-component, CO2 -free, synthetic blend of vertebrate odor (consisting of ammonia, L(+) lactic acid and hexanoic acid, and known as Sweetscent®) significantly induces 3(rd) -instar Rhodnius prolixus and Triatoma infestans nymphs to fall into the test capture-tube of the olfactometer. Blend constituents presented singly or in two-component blends did not evoke a response and, therefore, we propose that the insects respond specifically to the three-component blend in a synergistic way. When tested in a pitfall trap in an experimental arena, this blend induced capture in 37.5% of the lured traps, whereas 9% of the nymphs tested were captured in a single night. No insects were captured in control traps. Our work represents a proof-of-concept regarding capture of triatomines using host odor-based, CO2 -free synthetic mixtures as lures for pitfall traps. CO2 -free lures are more practical for field work than natural or CO2 -containing synthetic blends.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Guidobaldi
- Laboratorio de Neuroetología Ecológica, CICyTTP-CONICET, Diamante, Entre Ríos, Argentina.
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16
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Moretti AN, Zerba EN, Alzogaray RA. Behavioral and toxicological responses of Rhodnius prolixus and Triatoma infestans (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) to 10 monoterpene alcohols. J Med Entomol 2013; 50:1046-1054. [PMID: 24180109 DOI: 10.1603/me12248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
The effect on locomotor activity, the repellency, and the knock-down produced by 10 monoterpene alcohols were evaluated on first-instar nymphs of Rhodnius prolixus and Triatoma infestans, vectors of Chagas disease. A video tracking technique was used to evaluate locomotor activity and repellency by exposure to papers impregnated with monoterpenes. Eugenol on R. prolixus and (S)-cis-verbenol on T. infestans did not modify the locomotor activity. The remaining monoterpenes produced hyperactivity on both species, although the concentration required was at least a 1,000 times higher than that of deltamethrin (positive control). Carvacrol, eugenol, and geraniol resulted as repellent as N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide (positive control) for both species. A similar result was observed for almost every monoterpene on T. infestans. Knock-down effect was evaluated by exposing the nymphs in closed recipients. The order of increasing toxicity on R. prolixus was (KT50 values in min): geraniol (213.7) < alpha-terpineol (164.5) < linalool (124.2) < carvacrol (111.6) < eugenol (89.8) < thymol (78.9), and on T. infestans: alpha-terpineol (289.8) < eugenol (221.3) < carvacrol (164.2) < linalool (154.9) < thymol (96.7). All monoterpenes were less toxic than the positive control, dichlorvos (3.6 min for R. prolixus and 3.9 min for T. infestans). After 7 h of exposure, (-)-carveol, citronellol, and menthol (on both species) and geraniol (on T. infestans) produced < 50% of knock-down. After these results, it is worthwhile to explore more deeply the potential of these compounds as tools for controlling Chagas disease vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- A N Moretti
- Centro de Investigaciones de Plagas e Insecticidas (CIPEIN/ UNIDEF-CONICET), J.B. de La Salle 4397, (1603) Villa Martelli, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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17
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Castro DP, Moraes CS, Gonzalez MS, Ribeiro IM, Tomassini TCB, Azambuja P, Garcia ES. Physalin B inhibits Trypanosoma cruzi infection in the gut of Rhodnius prolixus by affecting the immune system and microbiota. J Insect Physiol 2012; 58:1620-1625. [PMID: 23085484 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2012.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2012] [Revised: 09/28/2012] [Accepted: 10/01/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Physalin B is a natural secosteroidal, extracted from the Solanaceae plant, Physalis angulata, and it presents immune-modulator effects on the bloodsucking bug, Rhodnius prolixus. In this work, R. prolixus was treated with physalin B at a concentration of 1 mg/ml of blood meal (oral application), or 20 ng/insect (applied topically) or 57 ng/cm(2) of filter paper (contact treatment), and infected with Trypanosoma cruzi Dm28c clone (2×10(6) epimastigotes/insect). The three types of applications significantly decreased the number of T. cruzi Dm28c in the gut comparing with the non-treated infected insects (controls). All groups of infected insects treated with physalin B had higher numbers of bacterial microbiota in the gut than the non-treated controls infected with T. cruzi. We observed that the infected physalin B insects with topical and contact treatments had a lower antibacterial activity in the gut when compared with control infected insects. Furthermore, infected insects with the physalin B oral treatment produced higher levels of nitrite and nitrate in the gut than control infected insects. These results demonstrate that physalin B decreases the T. cruzi transmission by inhibiting the parasite development in the insect vector R. prolixus. Herein the importance of physalin B modulation on the immune system and microbiota population in terms of parasite development and transmission are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele P Castro
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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18
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Castro DP, Moraes CS, Gonzalez MS, Ratcliffe NA, Azambuja P, Garcia ES. Trypanosoma cruzi immune response modulation decreases microbiota in Rhodnius prolixus gut and is crucial for parasite survival and development. PLoS One 2012; 7:e36591. [PMID: 22574189 PMCID: PMC3344921 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0036591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2012] [Accepted: 04/03/2012] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi in order to complete its development in the digestive tract of Rhodnius prolixus needs to overcome the immune reactions and microbiota trypanolytic activity of the gut. We demonstrate that in R. prolixus following infection with epimastigotes of Trypanosoma cruzi clone Dm28c and, in comparison with uninfected control insects, the midgut contained (i) fewer bacteria, (ii) higher parasite numbers, and (iii) reduced nitrite and nitrate production and increased phenoloxidase and antibacterial activities. In addition, in insects pre-treated with antibiotic and then infected with Dm28c, there were also reduced bacteria numbers and a higher parasite load compared with insects solely infected with parasites. Furthermore, and in contrast to insects infected with Dm28c, infection with T. cruzi Y strain resulted in a slight decreased numbers of gut bacteria but not sufficient to mediate a successful parasite infection. We conclude that infection of R. prolixus with the T. cruzi Dm28c clone modifies the host gut immune responses to decrease the microbiota population and these changes are crucial for the parasite development in the insect gut.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele P Castro
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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19
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Sfara V, Mougabure-Cueto G, Zerba EN, Alzogaray RA. Adaptation of the repellency response to DEET in Rhodnius prolixus. J Insect Physiol 2011; 57:1431-1436. [PMID: 21801727 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2011.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2011] [Revised: 07/08/2011] [Accepted: 07/13/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
For many years it has been accepted that DEET interferes with the detection of odours from the host instead of having a repellent effect. However, recent work showed that DEET acts as an odorant molecule and elicits a behavioural response in the absence of other stimuli. Therefore, DEET must promote some phenomenon connected with the stimuli-sensory system interaction, such as a sensory adaptation, where the sensory system regulates its sensitivity to different stimuli intensities during continuous or repetitive exposure. In this work, we studied different aspects of the insect-DEET interaction through behavioural observations. Previous exposure of fifth instar Rhodnius prolixus nymphs to DEET decreased the behavioural response to this repellent. We observed a decrease in repellence after different times of continuous stimulation with DEET in a time-dependent manner. The response to DEET was recovered 10 min after exposure, when insects were continuously stimulated during 5 or 10 min; maximum repellence was recovered 20 min after exposure when insects were stimulated for 20 min. DEET produced a repellent effect when nymphs were exposed only to its vapours. These results suggest that exposure to DEET produces adaptation in R. prolixus nymphs, and that the behavioural response elicited by DEET occurs via olfaction when no other stimuli are present.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Sfara
- Centro de Investigaciones de Plagas e Insecticidas (CONICET), Juan Bautista de La Salle 4397, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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20
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Cáceres L, Rovira JR, Calzada J, Saldaña A. [Evaluation of the toxic activity of the pyrethroid insecticides deltamethrin and lambdacyhalothrin in two Panamanian field populations of Rhodnius pallescens (Hemíptera: Reduviidae)]. Biomedica 2011; 31:8-14. [PMID: 22159478 DOI: 10.1590/s0120-41572011000100002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2010] [Accepted: 08/19/2010] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Systematic evaluation of the susceptibility of disease vectors to insecticides permits the detection of the development of insecticide resistance over time. This is necessary to evaluate the effectiveness of control methods and to plan management strategies of the resistance. OBJECTIVE The baseline susceptibility was determined for I and V instar nymphs of Rhodnius pallescens to the active ingredients of the insecticides deltamethrin and lambdacyhalothrin. MATERIALS AND METHODS The bioassays were applied to two field populations of R. pallescens collected in Chilibre and Cerro Cama, Panamá. A standard protocol for topical application was adapted from that developed for Rhodnius prolixus. Bioassays were performed using topical applications on the dorsal abdominal surface, with volumes of 0.1µl and 0.5µl acetone solution of insecticide for nymphs of stage I and V respectively, using 5µl and 25µl Hamilton microsyringes with a repeating dispenser. Ten nymphs were used for each insecticide concentration. Results. With the topical application of lambdacyhalothrin on first-instar nymphs from Chilibre and Cerro Cama, the LD50 values expressed in ng/insect were 0.13 and 0.11 respectively. In fifth-instar nymphs the LD50 values were 1.71 and 3.48, respectively. For deltamethrin, the topical application on first-instar nymphs resulted in LD50 values of 0.02 and 0.02, and in fifth-instar nymphs the LD50 values were 2.11 and 1.55, respectively. CONCLUSIONS In I and V instar nymphs from the two R. pallescens populations, resistance factor values demonstrated no significant difference in the toxic effects of the two insecticides and indicated that the R. pallescens populations were susceptible them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Cáceres
- Sección de Entomología Médica, Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud, República de Panamá.
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Castro DP, Figueiredo MB, Genta FA, Ribeiro IM, Tomassini TCB, Azambuja P, Garcia ES. Physalin B inhibits Rhodnius prolixus hemocyte phagocytosis and microaggregation by the activation of endogenous PAF-acetyl hydrolase activities. J Insect Physiol 2009; 55:532-537. [PMID: 19232405 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2009.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2008] [Revised: 01/12/2009] [Accepted: 01/26/2009] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The effects of physalin B (a natural secosteroidal chemical from Physalis angulata, Solanaceae) on phagocytosis and microaggregation by hemocytes of 5th-instar larvae of Rhodnius prolixus were investigated. In this insect, hemocyte phagocytosis and microaggregation are known to be induced by the platelet-activating factor (PAF) or arachidonic acid (AA) and regulated by phospholipase A(2) (PLA(2)) and PAF-acetyl hydrolase (PAF-AH) activities. Phagocytic activity and formation of hemocyte microaggregates by Rhodnius hemocytes were strongly blocked by oral treatment of this insect with physalin B (1mug/mL of blood meal). The inhibition induced by physalin B was reversed for both phagocytosis and microaggregation by exogenous arachidonic acid (10microg/insect) or PAF (1microg/insect) applied by hemocelic injection. Following treatment with physalin B there were no significant alterations in PLA(2) activities, but a significant enhancement of PAF-AH was observed. These results show that physalin B inhibits hemocytic activity by depressing insect PAF analogous (iPAF) levels in hemolymph and confirm the role of PAF-AH in the cellular immune reactions in R. prolixus.
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Affiliation(s)
- D P Castro
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, RJ, Brazil
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22
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Abstract
Probing of a host and ingestion of a blood-meal in a fifth instar Rhodnius prolixus results in a cascade of tightly integrated events, including salivary gland secretion, plasticization of the abdominal cuticle, increased ion and water movement across the anterior midgut (crop) and Malpighian tubules (which rapidly produce urine) and the regular expulsion of urine from the hindgut. In this study we have focussed on the role of the anterior midgut during the rapid postprandial diuresis. The huge blood-meal is pumped into the anterior midgut, during feeding, then modified by diuresis and stored until it is digested. Changes in the anterior midgut activity are rapid. Within minutes of the commencement of feeding there is an increase in the frequency of anterior midgut contractions and diuresis begins with the movement of salt and water across the epithelium of the anterior midgut into the haemolymph. While serotonin, a diuretic hormone in R. prolixus, is known to play a role in the physiological activity of the anterior midgut, we were interested in exploring further the role of serotonin, and other diuretic peptides. We have tested the activity of several peptides, including R. prolixus calcitonin-like diuretic hormone (Rhopr-DH 31), corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF)-like peptide from Zootermopsis nevadensis DH (Zoone-DH) and a kinin from Leucophaea maderae, Leucokinin 1 (LK1). These peptides families are known to be present in the central nervous system of R. prolixus, are putative neurohormones released into the haemolymph after the start of feeding, and have been shown to have activity on a variety of tissues involved in post-feeding diuresis. We show here that both serotonin and Zoone-DH increase the cAMP content of the anterior midgut and that serotonin, Zoone-DH and cAMP analogues increase absorption of water from the anterior midgut, increase the short circuit current and voltage, while decreasing the resistance across the epithelium. While LK1 and Rhopr-DH 31 do not significantly increase absorption, or short circuit current, LK1 does significantly decrease the resistance and transepithelial voltage of the anterior midgut epithelium. All of the factors studied increase the frequency of contractions of the anterior midgut.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Te Brugge
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, 3359 Mississauga Road, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada.
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Stanisçuaski F, Te Brugge V, Carlini CR, Orchard I. Invitro effect of Canavalia ensiformis urease and the derived peptide Jaburetox-2Ec on Rhodnius prolixus Malpighian tubules. J Insect Physiol 2009; 55:255-263. [PMID: 19121321 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2008.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2008] [Revised: 12/02/2008] [Accepted: 12/04/2008] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Ureases are metalloenzymes that are widespread among plants, fungi and bacteria. Urease isoforms (jack bean urease-JBU and canatoxin) from Canavalia ensiformis seeds are toxic to insects and fungi, suggesting a role in plant defense. The entomotoxic effect is due to the release of a 10-kDa peptide by cathepsin-like enzymes in the insect's midgut. Urease causes a decrease in post-feeding weight loss in Rhodnius prolixus, suggesting an effect on water balance. To investigate how this impairment occurs, we have evaluated the action of JBU and the urease-derivated peptide Jaburetox-2Ec on R. prolixus Malpighian tubules and also investigated the involvement of second messengers. JBU and Jaburetox-2Ec affect serotonin-induced secretion from Malpighian tubules. This effect is not cAMP-dependent, but the Jaburetox-2Ec effect is cGMP-dependent. Eicosanoid metabolites and calcium ions appear to be involved in JBU effect on diuresis, but are not involved in the action of Jaburetox-2Ec. Jaburetox-2Ec, but not JBU, causes a change in the transepithelial potential of the tubules. Canatoxin has a similar effect on tubules secretion, decreasing the secretion rate, but the urease from Helicobacter pylori has no significant effect. These data are helpful in our understanding of the actions of ureases and derived peptides on insects, and also reinforces the potential use of these proteins as biopesticides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Stanisçuaski
- Department of Biophysics, Institute of Biosciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, 91501-970, Brazil.
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24
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Medeiros MND, Belmonte R, Soares BCC, Medeiros LND, Canetti C, Freire-de-Lima CG, Maya-Monteiro CM, Bozza PT, Almeida IC, Masuda H, Kurtenbach E, Machado EA. Arrest of oogenesis in the bug Rhodnius prolixus challenged with the fungus Aspergillus niger is mediated by immune response-derived PGE2. J Insect Physiol 2009; 55:150-157. [PMID: 19059412 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2008.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2008] [Revised: 10/15/2008] [Accepted: 10/30/2008] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
In this work we characterized the immune response of the insect Rhodnius prolixus to a direct injection into the hemocoel of the non-entomopathogenic fungus Aspergillus niger, and evaluated its consequences on host oogenesis. These animals were able to respond by mounting effective cellular and humoral responses to this fungus; these responses were shown, however, to have reproductive fitness costs, as the number of eggs laid per female was significantly reduced. The disturbance of egg formation during infectious process correlated with an elevation in the titer of hemolymph prostaglandin E2 48 h post-challenge. Administration of Zymosan A as an immunogenic non-infectious challenge produced similar effects on phenoloxidase and prophenoloxidase activities, oocyte development and prostaglandin E2 titer, precluding the hypothesis of an effect mediated by fungal metabolites in animals challenged with fungus. Ovaries at 48 h post-challenge showed absence of vitellogenic ovarian follicles, and the in vivo administration of prostaglandin E2 or its receptor agonist misoprostol, partially reproduced this phenotype. Together these data led us to hypothesize that immune-derived prostaglandin E2 raised from the insect response to the fungal challenge is involved in disturbing follicle development, contributing to a reduction in host reproductive output and acting as a host-derived adaptive effector to infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo Neves de Medeiros
- Programa de Biologia Celular e Parasitologia, IBCCF, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 21941-902 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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25
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Gonzalez R, Orchard I. Physiological activity of neuropeptide f on the hindgut of the blood-feeding hemipteran, Rhodnius prolixus. J Insect Sci 2009; 9:1-14. [PMID: 20050776 PMCID: PMC3011914 DOI: 10.1673/031.009.5701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2008] [Accepted: 08/17/2008] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Current hypotheses propose that, in the invertebrates, neuropeptide F (NPF), the vertebrate NPY homologue, may be capable of regulating responses to diverse cues related to nutritional status and feeding. An investigation into the effects of Drosophila melanogaster NPF (DrmNPF) and Anopheles gambiae NPF (AngNPF) on hindgut physiology of Rhodnius prolixus Stal (Heimptera: Reduviidae) suggests a myoinhibitory role for these peptides and the R. prolixus native peptide. Extracts of the central nervous system of R. prolixus were processed and several HPLC-fractions revealed NPF-like activity within the nanomolar equivalent range when tested using the hindgut contraction assay. Although NPF has been shown to decrease epithelial membrane potential in Aedes aegypti larval midgut preparations, NPF does not appear to play a role in epithelial transport of potassium in the hindgut. While the function of NPF has yet to be established, NPF-like effects suggest multiple physiological roles for NPF among invertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronald Gonzalez
- Department of Biology, York University, 4700 Keele St., Toronto, ON, Canada M3J IP3
| | - Ian Orchard
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, 3359 Mississauga Rd, Mississauga, ON, L5L 1C6
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Castro DP, Figueiredo MB, Ribeiro IM, Tomassini TCB, Azambuja P, Garcia ES. Immune depression in Rhodnius prolixus by seco-steroids, physalins. J Insect Physiol 2008; 54:555-562. [PMID: 18234209 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2007.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2007] [Revised: 12/04/2007] [Accepted: 12/07/2007] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
A comparative study of the effects of physalins, seco-steroidal substances of Physalis angulata (Solanaceae), on the immune reactions of R. prolixus was carried out. Ecdysis and mortality were not affected by treatment with physalins B, D, F or G (1-10 microg/ml of blood meal). R. prolixus larvae fed with blood containing physalins and inoculated with 1 microl of Enterobacter cloacae beta12 (5 x 10(3)/insect) exhibited mortality rates three times higher than controls. The insects treated with physalin B, and F (1 microg/ml) and inoculated with E. cloacae beta12 showed significant differences on lysozyme activity in the hemolymph compared to untreated insects. Furthermore, physalin D (1 microg/ml) significantly reduced the antibacterial activity. Concerning cellular immune reactions, all insects treated with physalins (1 microg/ml), exhibited drastic reductions in the quantity of yeast cell-hemocyte binding and subsequent internalization. Insects inoculated with bacteria and treated with physalins B, F and G showed reductions of microaggregate formation but physalin D did not. Physalins B and F also reduced total hemocyte count in the hemolymph. These results suggest that, in different ways, probably due to their different chemical structures, physalin B, D, F and G are immunomodulatory substances for the bloodsucking insect, R. prolixus.
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Affiliation(s)
- D P Castro
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz , Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Brasil 4365, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21045900, Brazil
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27
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Nakamura A, Stiebler R, Fantappié MR, Fialho E, Masuda H, Oliveira MF. Effects of retinoids and juvenoids on moult and on phenoloxidase activity in the blood-sucking insect Rhodnius prolixus. Acta Trop 2007; 103:222-30. [PMID: 17686447 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2007.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2007] [Revised: 05/07/2007] [Accepted: 06/28/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Retinoic acid and insect juvenile hormone (JH) are structurally related terpenoids which are widespread in nature and are involved in many biological events such as morphogenesis, embryogenesis and cellular differentiation. Here, we investigated the effects of the retinoids 9-cis retinoic acid (9cisRA), all trans retinol (atROH), all trans retinoic acid (atRA) and the juvenoids methoprene (Met) and JH injection on moult and on phenoloxidase activity in the blood-sucking insect Rhodnius prolixus. Overall, we observed that injection of retinoids or juvenoids (120 pmols) in the hemocoel of 4th instar nymphs reduced the percentage of insects which appeared normal in morphology upon moult. Noteworthy, insects exposed to 9cisRA or JH underwent profound morphological changes upon moult, generating abnormal 5th instar nymphs and also markedly increased the death of insects during the moulting process. In addition, reduction in the percentage of insects that moult without any morphological alteration, induced by retinoids or juvenoids treatment, was negatively correlated with insects that both display abnormal moult and those that die during moult. Hemolymphatic phenoloxidase activity in adult male insects injected with 9cisRA, Met and JH were significantly reduced after a bacterial challenge. Together, these results indicate that not only juvenoids but also retinoids play an important role on morphogenesis and on immune response in R. prolixus, suggesting that the molecular mechanisms involved in these events recognize the terpenoid backbone as an important structural determinant in insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelica Nakamura
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica, Programa de Biologia Molecular e Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941-590, Brazil
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28
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Coelho AAM, de Paula JE, Espíndola LS. Insecticidal activity of cerrado plant extracts on Rhodnius milesi Carcavallo, Rocha, Galvão & Jurberg (Hemiptera: Reduviidae), under laboratory conditions. Neotrop Entomol 2006; 35:133-8. [PMID: 17352079 DOI: 10.1590/s1519-566x2006000100018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Chagas' disease is chiefly transmitted by feces of haematophagous bugs (Triatominae) that ingested Trypanosoma cruzi from blood of infected people or animals. Pyrethroids have been the main insecticides used against these insects. However, some populations of insects have shown significant levels of resistance to several pyrethroids, indicating the need of new insecticides for the control of triatomines. Insecticidal activity of 24 Cerrado plant extracts belonging to five species of four families were assayed on fourth instar nymphs of Rhodnius milesi Carcavallo, Rocha, Galvão & Jurberg (Hemiptera: Reduviidae), under laboratory conditions. For the extract application on triatomines, 50 microg of the extract were topically applied in duplicate on dorsal tergites of ten insects. Insects topically treated with acetone, ethanol, as well as insects with no treatment were used as controls. Triatomines were observed over a 28-day period. Hexanic and ethanolic extracts of Simarouba versicolor, Guarea kunthiana, Guarea guidonia and Talauma ovata caused mortality between 20% and 95% of R. milesi in comparison with the controls, which showed no insect mortality. These preliminary data suggest that the ethanolic extract of the root bark of S. versicolor and the hexanic extract of the root of G. guidonia, responsible for a 95% and 75% insect mortality, respectively, should be chemically investigated and monitored through biological assays in order to determine their insecticidal components, that could be used as a molecular model or as biorational compounds for use in insect control programmes.
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Garcia ES, Castro DP, Ribeiro IM, Tomassini TCB, Azambuja P. Trypanosoma rangeli: Effects of physalin B on the immune reactions of the infected larvae of Rhodnius prolixus. Exp Parasitol 2006; 112:37-43. [PMID: 16271717 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2005.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2005] [Revised: 09/12/2005] [Accepted: 09/19/2005] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Physalins are seco-steroids obtained from plants of the family Solanaceae. Herein, we tested Physalis angulata L purified physalin B as an immunomodulatory compound in 5th-instar larvae of Rhodnius prolixus, which were systemically infected with the H14 Trypanosoma rangeli strain protozoan. In uninfected insects, the effective concentration of physalin B, which inhibited 50% of the blood ingested (ED(50)) volume, was 15.2+/-1.6 microg/ml of the meal. Ecdysis processes and mortality in uninfected larvae, treated orally with physalin B in concentrations ranging from 1 to 10 microg/ml, was similar to that observed in insects not treated with physalin B. However, R. prolixus larvae previously fed on blood containing 1.0, 0.1, and 0.01 microg of physalin B/ml exhibited mortality rates of 78.1, 54.3, and 12.7%, respectively, 6 days after inoculation of T. rangeli (1 x 10(3) parasites/insect), whereas only 7.2% mortality was observed in the control group, injected with sterile culture medium. The insects treated with physalin B (0.1 microg/ml) and inoculated with T. rangeli did not modify the phenoloxidase (PO) activity and total hemocyte count in the hemolymph. However, physalin B treatment caused a reduction in hemocyte micro-aggregation and nitric oxide production and enhanced the parasitemia in the hemolymph. These results demonstrate that physalin B from P. angulata is a potent immunomodulatory substance for the bloodsucking insect, R. prolixus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eloi S Garcia
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Av. Brazil 4365, Rio de Janeiro 21045-900, RJ, Brazil
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30
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Abstract
Following an infestation of dogticks in kennels housing dogs used for long-term studies of the pathogenesis of Chagas disease, we examined the effect of ivermectin treatment on the dogs, ticks, trypanosome parasites, and also on triatomine vectors of Chagas disease. Ivermectin treatment was highly effective in eliminating the ticks, but showed no apparent effect on the dogs nor on their trypanosome infection. Triatominae fed on the dogs soon after ivermectin treatment showed high mortality, but this effect quickly declined for bugs fed at successive intervals after treatment. In conclusion, although ivermectin treatment may have a transient effect on peridomestic populations of Triatominae, it is not the treatment of choice for this situation. The study also showed that although the dogticks could become infected with Trypanosoma cruzi, this only occurred when feeding on dogs in the acute phase of infection, and there was no evidence of subsequent parasite development in the ticks.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Carlos Pinto Dias
- Pathogen Molecular Biology Unit, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
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Cueto GM, Zerba E, Picollo MI. Biological effect of 1-dodecanol in teneral and post-teneral Rhodnius prolixus and Triatoma infestans (Hemiptera: Reduviidae). Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2005; 100:59-61. [PMID: 15867966 DOI: 10.1590/s0074-02762005000100012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Topical application of 1-dodecanol was significantly more toxic against teneral first nymphs (1-3 h old) than post-teneral first nymphs (24 h old). The lethal dose ratios were 711,500 for Rhodnius prolixus and 3613 for Triatoma infestans. No significative difference between LD50 was found when 1-dodecanol was injected in recently hatched adult R. prolixus (1-4 h old) nor in older adults (24 h old). These values were similar to those calculated for deltamethrin (an effective triatomicide), showing that 1-dodecanol had no insecticidal properties when it was applied by injection. Topical application of high dose of 1-dodecanol (1 microg/i) on teneral first nymphs of R. prolixus, produced an interruption of the darkening process of the cuticle, and probably in the development of its physiological properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gastón Mougabure Cueto
- Centro de Investigaciones de Plagas e Insecticidas, Juan Bautista de la Salle 4397 (B1603ALO), Villa Martelli, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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32
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Te Brugge VA, Lombardi VC, Schooley DA, Orchard I. Presence and activity of a Dippu-DH31-like peptide in the blood-feeding bug, Rhodnius prolixus. Peptides 2005; 26:29-42. [PMID: 15626502 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2004.08.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2004] [Accepted: 08/31/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The blood-feeding bug, Rhodnius prolixus, ingests large blood meals, then undergoes a period of rapid diuresis which is under neurohormonal control. In both cockroach (Diploptera punctata) and fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster) a calcitonin-like DH31 neuropeptide has been identified [Coast GM, Webster SG, Schegg KM, Tobe SS, Schooley DA. The Drosophila melanogaster homologue of an insect calcitonin-like diuretic peptide stimulates V-ATPase activity in fruit fly Malpighian tubules. J Exp Biol 2001;204:1795-804; Furuya K, Milchak RJ, Schegg KM, Zhang J, Tobe SS, Coast GM, et al. Cockroach diuretic hormones: characterization of a calcitonin-like peptide in insects. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 2000;97:6469-74] and demonstrated to be active on Malpighian tubule secretion [Coast GM, Webster SG, Schegg KM, Tobe SS, Schooley DA. The Drosophila melanogaster homologue of an insect calcitonin-like diuretic peptide stimulates V-ATPase activity in fruit fly Malpighian tubules. J Exp Biol 2001;204:1795-804; Furuya K, Milchak RJ, Schegg KM, Zhang J, Tobe SS, Coast GM, et al. Cockroach diuretic hormones: characterization of a calcitonin-like peptide in insects. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 2000;97:6469-74]. Using an antibody raised against D. punctata (Dippu) DH31, we demonstrate the presence of Dippu-DH31-like immunoreactivity in the CNS, salivary glands, hindgut and neurohemal sites of 5th instar Rhodnius. Double-label immunohistochemistry for Dippu-DH31-like and serotonin-like immunoreactivity demonstrates some co-localization of these factors in cells of the mesothoracic ganglionic mass (MTGM) and in neurohemal sites on the abdominal nerves. When tested on Rhodnius 5th instar Malpighian tubules, Dippu-DH31 stimulated minor increases in rate of secretion. Dippu-DH31 tested in combination with serotonin resulted in increases in the rate of secretion which were at least additive.
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Affiliation(s)
- V A Te Brugge
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto, Mississauga, Ont., Canada L5L 1C6.
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Albuquerque-Cunha JM, Mello CB, Garcia ES, Azambuja P, Souza WD, Gonzalez MS, Nogueira NFS. Effect of blood components, abdominal distension, and ecdysone therapy on the ultrastructural organization of posterior midgut epithelial cells and perimicrovillar membranes in Rhodnius prolixus. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2004; 99:815-22. [PMID: 15761596 DOI: 10.1590/s0074-02762004000800006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The effects of blood components, nerve-cord severance, and ecdysone therapy on the posterior midgut epithelial cells of 5th-instar Rhodnius prolixus nymphs 10 days after feeding were analyzed by transmission electron microscopy. Cutting the nerve-cord of the blood-fed insects partially reduced the development of microvilli and perimicrovillar membranes (PMM), and produced large vacuoles and small electrondense granules; insects fed on Ringer's saline diet exhibited well developed microvilli and low PMM production; swolled rough endoplasmatic reticulum and electrondense granules; Ringer's saline meal with ecdysone led to PMM development, glycogen particles, and several mitochondria in the cytoplasm; epithelial cells of the insects fed on Ringer's saline meal whose nerve-cord was severed showed heterogeneously distributed microvilli with reduced PMM production and a great quantity of mitochondria and glycogen in the cytoplasm; well developed microvilli and PMM were observed in nerve-cord severed insects fed on Ringer's saline meal with ecdysone; Ringer's saline diet containing hemoglobin recovered the release of PMM; and insects fed on human plasma showed slightly reduced PMM production, although the addition of ecdysone in the plasma led to a normal midgut ultrastructural organization. We suggest that the full development of microvilli and PMM in the epithelial cells depends on the abdominal distension in addition to ingestion of hemoglobin, and the release of ecdysone.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Albuquerque-Cunha
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular e Tecidual, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Campos de Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
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Gutiérrez AM, Hernández CS, Whittembury G. A Model for Fluid Secretion in Rhodnius Upper Malpighian Tubules (UMT). J Membr Biol 2004; 202:105-14. [PMID: 15702374 DOI: 10.1007/s00232-004-0723-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2004] [Revised: 09/30/2004] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
We have measured fluid secretion rate in Rhodnius prolixus upper Malpighian tubules (UMT) stimulated to secrete with 5-OH-tryptamine. We used double perfusions in order to have access separately to the basolateral and to the apical cell membranes. Thirteen pharmacological agents were applied: ouabain, Bafilomycin A(1), furosemide, bumetanide, DIOA, Probenecid, SITS, acetazolamide, amiloride, DPC, BaCl(2), pCMBS and DTT. These agents are known to block different ion transport functions, namely ATPases, co- and/or counter-transporters and ion and water channels. The basic assumption is that water movement changes reflect changes in ion transport mechanisms, which we localize as follows: (i) At the basolateral cell membrane, fundamental are a Na(+)-K(+)-2Cl(-) cotransporter and a Cl(-)-HCO(3) (-) exchanger; of intermediate importance are the Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase, Cl(-) channels and Rp-MIP water channels; K(+) channels play a lesser role: (ii) At the apical cell membrane, most important are a K(+)-Cl(-) cotransport that is being located for the first time, a V-H(+)-ATPase; and a Na(+)-H(+) exchanger; a urate-anion exchanger and K(+) channels are less important, while Cl(-) channels are not important at all. A tentative model for the function of the UMT cell is presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Gutiérrez
- Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas, IVIC, P. O. Box 21827, Caracas 1020-A, Venezuela.
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Abstract
The effects of phytochemicals (lignans and neolignans) are reviewed in a variety of insect species with special focus on the recent advances on feeding, excretion and Trypanosoma cruzi interactions with Rhodnius prolixus. Burchellin, podophyllotoxin, pinoresinol, sesamin, licarin A, and nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) added to the diet of Rhodnius prolixus larvae induce antifeedant effects only in doses up to 100 microg/ml of blood meal. Additionally, pinoresinol and NDGA significantly inhibit ecdysis (ED(50)<20 microg/ml). Simultaneous application of ecdysone (1 microg/ml) counteracts ecdysial stasis as induced by NDGA in 5th-instar larvae. Experiments in vivo demonstrate that burchellin and podophyllotoxin (100 microg/ml) diminish excretion post-feeding. Simultaneous treatment with 5-hydroxytryptamine (1 mM, 5-HT), a diuretic hormone, partially reverses this effect of burchellin. Experiments in vitro, using isolated Malpighian tubules of R. prolixus, indicate that burchellin (i) decreases diuretic hormone levels in the hemolymph but not the amount of diuretic hormone stored in the thoracic ganglionic masses (including axons); (ii) reduces the volume of urine secreted by isolated Malpighian tubules; and (iii) 5-HT therapy cannot overcome the effect of burchellin on the Malpighian tubules. In R. prolixus fed on blood containing T. cruzi epimastigotes, the number of parasites in the digestive tract decreases drastically in the presence of burchellin and NDGA (10 microg/ml). When these phytochemicals are applied 20 days after T. cruzi infection, burchellin significantly reduces the gut infection, whereas NDGA does not. However, if the insects are pretreated with both compounds 20 days before subsequent infection with epimastigotes, the parasite infection is almost completely abolished. The same holds true when 5th-instar of R. prolixus are inoculated with 0.5 microg/microl/larva of both neolignans 1 day before infection. Taken together, these findings not only provide a better understanding of the lignoid function in insects, but also offer novel insights into basic physiological processes, which make lignoids interesting candidates for new types of insecticides.
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Affiliation(s)
- E S Garcia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Brasil 4365, Rio de Janeiro 21045-900, RJ, Brazil.
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36
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Abstract
Using a polyclonal antiserum to Dippu-allatostatin 7 (Dippu-AST 7; formerly AST 1) of the cockroach Diploptera punctata, we have demonstrated the presence of AST-like immunoreactivity (ALI) in cells and processes throughout the nervous system, gut, and peripheral tissues of unfed fifth instar and adult Rhodnius prolixus. ALI in apparent neurosecretory cells of the brain, suboesophageal ganglion, and mesothoracic ganglionic mass, as well as in midgut endocrine cells, suggests that Rhodnius allatostatins may act as neurohormones/hormones. The presence of ALI in possible interneurons and areas of neuropile throughout the CNS also suggests roles as neuromodulators and/or neurotransmitters. Dippu-AST 7 inhibits spontaneous and leucokinin 1 (LK 1)-induced contractions of the Rhodnius hindgut in a dose-dependent manner. The low concentrations capable of inhibiting both spontaneous (10(-12)M) and LK 1-induced contractions (10(-10) to 10(-9)M) suggest that ASTs may be acting as neurohormones/hormones on the hindgut. We have also shown that Dippu-AST 7 influences the muscle activity of the Rhodnius dorsal vessel at concentrations as low as 10(-11)M.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikki R S Sarkar
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto at Mississauga, Ont., L5L 1C6, Mississauga, Canada.
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Nakagawa J, Cordón-Rosales C, Juárez J, Itzep C, Nonami T. Impact of residual spraying on Rhodnius prolixus and Triatoma dimidiata in the department of Zacapa in Guatemala. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2003; 98:277-81. [PMID: 12764447 DOI: 10.1590/s0074-02762003000200019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
As a vector control program to control Chagas disease in Guatemala, residual spraying of Rhodnius prolixus and Triatoma dimidiata was performed, and its impact was measured in the department of Zacapa. In order to identify infested villages and determine the degree of infestation, a baseline entomological survey to identify municipalities infested with vectors followed by an additional vector survey in areas known to be infested was conducted. Residual spraying using pyrethroid insecticides was performed at all the villages identified as being infested with the vectors. The residual spraying was shown to be highly effective against both vectors by the decrease in infestation indices after spraying. Analysis of the cost-effectiveness of the spraying showed that the average cost of insecticides per house is high when compared with that in Southern Cone countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Nakagawa
- Japan International Cooperation Agency, Oficina de Voluntarios Japoneses, Guatemala, Guatemala.
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Hazel MH, Ianowski JP, Christensen RJ, Maddrell SHP, O'Donnell MJ. Amino acids modulate ion transport and fluid secretion by insect Malpighian tubules. J Exp Biol 2003; 206:79-91. [PMID: 12456699 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.00058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Insect haemolymph typically contains very high levels of free amino acids. This study shows that amino acids can modulate the secretion of ions and water by isolated Malpighian tubules of Rhodnius prolixus and Drosophila melanogaster. Secretion rates of Rhodnius tubules in amino-acid-free saline increase after addition of serotonin to a peak value, then slowly decline to a plateau. Addition of glutamine, glutamate or aspartate to such tubules increases secretion rates dramatically relative to the controls in amino-acid-free saline, and these increases are sustained for 1-2 h. Seven other amino acids have more modest stimulatory effects, whereas lysine and arginine are inhibitory. Secreted fluid pH and Na(+) concentration increase and K(+) concentration decreases in response to glutamine. Pre-incubation of unstimulated tubules in saline solutions containing amino acids followed by stimulation with serotonin in amino-acid-free saline shows that the effects of amino acids far outlast the duration of exposure to them. Amino acids do not appear to be important as metabolites in Rhodnius tubules, nor do they act to draw significant amounts of water into the lumen by osmosis. Significant stimulation of fluid secretion can be achieved by physiological levels of particular amino acids, whereas those amino acids that inhibit fluid secretion only do so at concentrations much above those at which they occur naturally in the haemolymph. Secretion rates of unstimulated or stimulated Drosophila tubules are increased by pre-incubation in saline solutions containing glutamine or methionine or by continuous exposure to glutamine, methionine or tyrosine. Cysteine dramatically inhibited fluid secretion by Drosophila tubules, but only at concentrations well above the physiological range. We suggest that the amino acids probably function as compatible intracellular osmolytes that are necessary for sustained secretion at high rates by the Malpighian tubules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew H Hazel
- Dept of Biology, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario, L8S 4KI, Canada
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Medeiros MN, Oliveira DMP, Paiva-Silva GO, Silva-Neto MAC, Romeiro A, Bozza M, Masuda H, Machado EA. The role of eicosanoids on Rhodnius heme-binding protein (RHBP) endocytosis by Rhodnius prolixus ovaries. Insect Biochem Mol Biol 2002; 32:537-545. [PMID: 11891130 DOI: 10.1016/s0965-1748(01)00132-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
The participation of eicosanoids and second messengers on the regulation of RHBP endocytosis by the ovaries was investigated, using [(125)I]RHBP in experiments in vivo and in vitro. Addition of PGE(2) (one of the products of the cyclooxygenase pathway) decreased in vitro the uptake of RHBP by 35%. The rate of RHBP endocytosis increased in the presence of indomethacin, a potent cyclooxigenase inhibitor, up to 50% in vitro and up to 55% in vivo, thus giving support to the role of cyclooxygenase derivatives on endocytosis regulation. The amount of PGE(2) secreted to the culture medium by the cells of Rhodnius prolixus ovaries was 1.1 ng/ovary following RHBP uptake assay. The amount of PGE(2) decreases approximately 25% in the presence of 5 microM indomethacin. Using a scanning electron microscope we have observed that neither the surface area nor the patencies of follicle cells were affected by treatment with indomethacin, thus suggesting that, its effect is elicited in the oocyte. Finally, we have identified two ovarian peptides that were dephosphorylated after the indomethacin treatment (18 and 25 kDa). Taken together these data show that local mediators such as eicosanoids act upon the oocytes controlling RHBP endocytosis, perhaps using the protein phosphorylation signal transduction pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo N Medeiros
- Laboratório de Entomologia Médica do Programa de Parasitologia e Biologia Celular, IBCCF, CCS, UFRJ, Cidade Universitária, Ilha do Fundão, 21,941-590, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Mazariego-Arana MA, Ramirez-San Juan E, Alejandre-Aguilar R, Nogueda-Torres B. Activity and residual effect of two formulations of lambdacyhalothrin sprayed on palm leaves to Rhodnius prolixus. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2002; 97:353-7. [PMID: 12048565 DOI: 10.1590/s0074-02762002000300014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The insecticidal activity and residual effect of two formulations of lambdacyhalothrin were evaluated with Rhodnius prolixus; laboratory and field tests were conducted in the State of Chiapas, Mexico. The results indicate that the lethal concentrations of the active ingredient of SC (LC50 = 2.37 and LC90 = 8.5 mg, a.i./m2) were 4-8 times than those with the insecticide WP applied on R. prolixus bugs in palm leaves, a common building material for thatched roofs. Other investigators in South America recommended applying 30 mg a.i./m2 in porous materials; we obtained that the products WP and SC were 3.5 and 16 times more effective on palm leaves. Regarding the evaluation of the residual effects in field spraying, there was up to 15 months persistence after the application of WP in two doses (8.6 mg a.i./m2 and 3.752 mg a.i./m2) with SC. We consider R. prolixus highly susceptible to the employed pyrethroids; they could be used to control this vector in the state of Chiapas, Mexico.
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41
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Abstract
The rapid post-feeding diuresis of Rhodnius prolixus is under neurohormonal control and involves the integrated activity of the crop, Malpighian tubules and hindgut. One of the factors which is involved in this rapid diuresis is serotonin, however a peptide(s) is also considered to be involved. In other insects, corticotropin releasing factor (CRF)-like and kinin-like, calcitonin-like peptides and CAP(2b) have been demonstrated to be diuretic factors/hormones. In the present study, serotonin and CRF-like peptides increased secretion rate and cAMP content of Rhodnius Malpighian tubules, while the kinin-like peptides tested did not increase secretion rate or cAMP content of the tubules. Extracts of the CNS were processed and several HPLC fractions revealed kinin-like immunoreactivity but these fractions did not increase secretion rate when tested on Malpighian tubules. However, these same fractions did possess activity when tested on the hindgut contraction assay. In addition, material eluting at higher acetonitrile concentrations from the HPLC increased secretion and cAMP content of Rhodnius Malpighian tubules. This material eluted at concentrations of acetonitrile consistent with the elution time of CRF-like peptide standards. Synergism was demonstrated using the pharmacological agent forskolin and serotonin, tested on the rate of secretion of Rhodnius Malpighian tubules, in agreement with data of Maddrell et al. As well, synergism could be demonstrated using mesothoracic ganglionic mass (MTGM) homogenates and serotonin at some concentrations of serotonin. However, combinations of CRF-like material and serotonin increased secretion additively, not synergistically. Kinin-like peptides, tested along with CRF-like material and serotonin, at low concentrations, did not increase secretion above that of those factors tested alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- V A Te Brugge
- Department of Zoology, University of Toronto, 25 Harbord Street, Ontario, M5S-3G5, Toronto, Canada.
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Kelecom A, Reis GL, Fevereiro PCA, Silva JG, Santos MG, Mello Neto CB, Gonzalez MS, Gouvea RCS, Almeida GSS. A multidisciplinary approach to the study of the fluminense vegetation. AN ACAD BRAS CIENC 2002; 74:171-81. [PMID: 11960185 DOI: 10.1590/s0001-37652002000100013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The fluminense vegetation, more specifically the flora from the Jurubatiba restinga has been investigated by a multidisciplinary team of botanists, chemist, radiobiologist, insect physiologists and geneticist. Vouchers of 564 specimens have been collected, identified, organized in an herbarium, and a database is being build up containing, in addition to classical botanical data, chemical data and information on the potential economic use either for landscape gardening, alternative foods or as medicinal plants. Phytochemical studies of the Guttiferae, Clusia hilariana, yielded oleanolic acid and nemorosone. Their biological activities against the haematophagous insect Rhodnius prolixus vector of Chagas disease have been investigated. Finally, it has been observed that aquatic plants possessed high levels of the natural radionuclide polonium-210, which seems to be originated mainly from soil rather than from atmospheric supply.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alphonse Kelecom
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, RJ, 24001-970, Brazil.
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Garcia ES, Cabral MM, Schaub GA, Gottlieb OR, Azambuja P. Effects of lignoids on a hematophagous bug, Rhodnius prolixus: feeding, ecdysis and diuresis. Phytochemistry 2000; 55:611-616. [PMID: 11130672 DOI: 10.1016/s0031-9422(00)00228-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
The effects of lignoids on feeding, ecdysis and diuresis in fourth-instar larvae of Rhodnius prolixus (Hemiptera) were investigated. Up to 100 microg/ml burchellin, podophyllotoxin, pinoresinol, sesamin, licarin A, or nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) in the diet did not induce antifeedant effects. Pinoresinol and NDGA significantly inhibited ecdysis. In experiments in vivo, burchellin and podophyllotoxin reduced the production of urine after feeding. 5-Hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), a diuretic hormone, partially counteracted this effect of burchellin. In experiments in vitro, using isolated Malpighian tubules, (i) burchellin reduced diuretic hormone levels in the hemolymph but not the amount of diuretic hormone stored in the thoracic ganglionic masses (including axons), (ii) burchellin decreased the volume of urine secreted by isolated Malpighian tubules, and (iii) 5-HT could not overcome the effect of burchellin upon the Malpighian tubules. We conclude that burchellin interfered with the release, but not with the production of diuretic hormone by the thoracic ganglionic mass or induced an antidiuretic hormone and directly affected the Malpighian tubules.
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Affiliation(s)
- E S Garcia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
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44
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Garcia E, Gonzalez M, Azambuja P. Biological factors involving Trypanosoma cruzi life cycle in the invertebrate vector, Rhodnius prolixus. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2000; 94 Suppl 1:213-6. [PMID: 10677719 DOI: 10.1590/s0074-02761999000700033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- E Garcia
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil.
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Cabral MM, Kollien AH, Kleffmann T, Azambuja P, Gottlieb OR, Garcia ES, Schaub GA. Rhodnius prolixus: effects of the neolignan burchellin on in vivo and in vitro diuresis. Parasitol Res 2000; 86:710-6. [PMID: 11002977 DOI: 10.1007/pl00008556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Supplementation of blood with the neolignan burchellin (100 microg/ml), a compound from the arboreous Lauraceae Aniba burchelli, affected the course of excretion of fourth-instar larvae of Rhodnius prolixus, especially directly after feeding, and reduced the volume of feces/urine excreted within 6 h of feeding to about 18% and, on the simultaneous addition of the diuretic hormone analogue 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), about 71% of that observed in untreated bugs. In the latter, 5-HT induced a significant 60% increase in excretion. Regardless of whether Malpighian tubules originating from unfed, untreated or fed, burchellin-treated bugs were incubated in vitro in the hemolymph of these bugs or in physiological saline supplemented with 5-HT with or without burchellin or in homogenates of thoracic ganglionic masses of untreated and treated bugs, burchellin was consistently found to affect the secretion rates. Therefore, burchellin not only depresses the release of the diuretic hormone or induces the release of antidiuretic factors but also directly affects the Malpighian tubules.
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Affiliation(s)
- M M Cabral
- Department of Special Zoology, Ruhr University Bochum, Germany
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46
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Oliveira MF, Silva JR, Dansa-Petretski M, de Souza W, Braga CM, Masuda H, Oliveira PL. Haemozoin formation in the midgut of the blood-sucking insect Rhodnius prolixus. FEBS Lett 2000; 477:95-8. [PMID: 10899317 DOI: 10.1016/s0014-5793(00)01786-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Malaria parasites digest haemoglobin and detoxify the free haem by its sequestration into an insoluble dark-brown pigment known as haemozoin (Hz). Until recently, this pigment could be found only in Plasmodium parasites. However, we have shown that Hz is also present in the midgut of the blood-sucking insect Rhodnius prolixus [Oliveira et al. (1999) Nature 400, 517-518]. Here we show that Hz synthesis in the midgut of this insect is promoted by a particulate fraction from intestine lumen. Haem aggregation activity is heat-labile and is inhibited in vitro by chloroquine (CLQ). Inhibition of Hz formation in vivo by feeding insects with CLQ leads to increased levels of haem in the haemolymph of the insect, which resulted in increased lipid peroxidation. Taken together, these results indicate that a factor capable of promoting Hz crystallisation is present in R. prolixus midgut and that this activity represents an important physiological defence of this insect against haem toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- M F Oliveira
- Departamento de Bioquimica Médica, Universidaade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Cidade Universitária Ilha do Fundão, Centro de Ciências de Saúde, Av. Brigadeiro Trompowsky, sln, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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47
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Zerba EN. Susceptibility and resistance to insecticides of Chagas disease vectors. Medicina (B Aires) 2000; 59 Suppl 2:41-6. [PMID: 10668241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemical control of Chagas disease vectors appears to be the best practical way to reduce the incidence of the disease. DDT was initially tested in the 1950s for the campaigns of control of Chagas disease vectors. Its low level of effectiveness against triatomine caused the failure of these control actions. HCH was then introduced in the southern cone and Dieldrin in the north of Latinoamerica. Starting in the late 1960s anticholinesterasic organophosphorus and carbamate compounds were introduced in the control of Chagas vectors. The use of pyrethroid compounds began in 1980. This family of insecticides is now the most important tool in triatomines control because of its favorable toxicological properties. Other types of insecticides also studied for Chagas vector control were the insect growth regulators and the antifeeding compounds. Because of the mode of action of these insecticides they are now considered just a potential complement of neurotoxic insecticides for integrated programmes of Triatomines control. Innovative formulations such as fumigant canister and insecticidal paints have been successfully developed in Latinoamerica with the World Health Organization support. Resistance to insecticides of triatomines is not yet a great problem in Chagas vectors. However, some resistant strains to pyrethroids have been found in Rhodnius prolixus from Venezuela and in Triatoma infestans from Brazil. Some cases of T. infestans incipient resistance to deltamethrin have been detected in Argentina. According to the control tools now available it is possible to expect the interruption of vector transmission of Chagas disease in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- E N Zerba
- Centro de Investigaciones de Plagas e Insecticidas (CITEFA-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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48
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Abstract
The effects of six lignans and neolignans as inhibitors of ecdysis and on the water balance in fourth-instar larvae of Rhodnius prolixus were studied by oral, topical and continuous contact treatments. The main results may be summarised as follows: (i) burchellin, pinoresinol, sesamin, licarin A and nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) did not cause feeding inhibition at doses of 100 micrograms/ml blood; podophyllotoxin had no antifeedant effect but caused a high moulting inhibition and significant toxicity when applied either orally or topically; (ii) the highest ecdysis inhibitory effects were observed with pinoresinol and NDGA when applied orally at a dose of 100 micrograms/ml (58% and 50% of moulting inhibition, respectively); burchellin inhibited 30% of the moulting at this concentration; (iii) by topical treatment none of the compounds presented any influence on the moulting cycle; and (iv) podophyllotoxin and burchellin significantly reduced the excretion of the insect in 24 h; the other compounds had no effect on excretion. The implications of these findings in relation to the pertinent biological events in R. prolixus are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- M M Cabral
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Brasil 5365, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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Caruso-Neves C, Monteiro SO, de Oliveira CF, Filho CC, Lopes AG. Adenosine modulates the (Na(+)+K(+))ATPase activity in malpighian tubules isolated from Rhodnius prolixus. Arch Insect Biochem Physiol 2000; 43:72-77. [PMID: 10644971 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1520-6327(200002)43:2<72::aid-arch3>3.0.co;2-e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
The role of adenosine on regulation of the (Na(+)+K(+))ATPase activity present in the Malpighian tubules isolated from Rhodnius prolixus was investigated. Adenosine decreases the (Na(+)+K(+)) ATPase specific activity by 88%, in a dose-dependent manner, with maximal effect at a concentration of 10(-9) M. This effect was mimicked by N(6)-cyclohexyladenosine (CHA) at 10(-8) M, an agonist for A(1) adenosine receptor, and was reversed by 10(-9) M 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine (DPCPX), an antagonist for A(1) adenosine receptor. On the other hand, 5'-N-ethyl-carboxamide adenosine (NECA), an agonist for A(2) adenosine receptor, used in the range of 10(-9)-10(-5) M, did not change the (Na(+)+K(+))ATPase specific activity. In the same way, 10(-8) M 3, 7-dimethyl-1-propargylxanthine (DMPX), an antagonist for A(2) adenosine receptor, did not modify the inhibitory effect of adenosine. These data suggest that the inhibitory effect of adenosine on the (Na(+)+K(+))ATPase specific activity present in Malpighian tubules from Rhodnius prolixus is mediated by A(1) adenosine receptor activation. Arch.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Caruso-Neves
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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50
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Gonzalez MS, Nogueira NF, Mello CB, De Souza W, Schaub GA, Azambuja P, Garcia ES. Influence of brain and azadirachtin on Trypanosoma cruzi development in the vector, Rhodnius prolixus. Exp Parasitol 1999; 92:100-8. [PMID: 10366535 DOI: 10.1006/expr.1998.4387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Studies on the effects of decapitation, head transplantation, azadirachtin, and ecdysone therapy on the ultrastructural organization of the midgut of Rhodnius prolixus, a vector of the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, show a distinct effect on the organization of the epithelial cells. When insects are decapitated or treated with azadirachtin, the ultrastructural organiza tion of these compartments changed significantly and drastically blocked the development of T. cruzi infection. In converse experiments, head transplantation or oral therapy with ecdysone significantly re versed the T. cruzi infectivity and reestablished the organization of the stomach and intestine in decapitated or azadirachtin-treated insects. These results indicat that a brain factor, possibly the prothoracicotropic hormone which stimulates ecdysteroid production on the prothoracic glands, may act directly or indirectly on both the midgut cell organiza tion and the intestinal microenvironment, interfering in the trypanosome survival and infection of the vector R. prolixus.
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Affiliation(s)
- M S Gonzalez
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Morro do Valonguinho SIN degrees, Niterói, RJ, CEP 24001-970, Brazil
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