Publications

TitleAbstractYear(sorted ascending)
Filter
PMID
Filter
long-term effects and parental rnai in the blood feeder rhodnius prolixus (hemiptera; reduviidae).rna interference (rnai) has been widely employed as a useful alternative to study gene function in insects, including triatomine bugs. however, several aspects related to the rnai mechanism and functioning are still unclear. the aim of this study is to investigate the persistence and the occurrence of systemic and parental rnai in the triatomine bug rhodnius prolixus. for such, the nitrophorins 1 to 4 (np1-4), which are salivary hemeproteins, and the rhodniin, an intestinal protein, were used as ...201323999100
silencing of maternal heme-binding protein causes embryonic mitochondrial dysfunction and impairs embryogenesis in the blood sucking insect rhodnius prolixus.the heme molecule is the prosthetic group of many hemeproteins involved in essential physiological processes, such as electron transfer, transport of gases, signal transduction, and gene expression modulation. however, heme is a pro-oxidant molecule capable of propagating reactions leading to the generation of reactive oxygen species. the blood-feeding insect rhodnius prolixus releases enormous amounts of heme during host blood digestion in the midgut lumen when it is exposed to a physiological ...201323986441
dislodgement effect of natural semiochemicals released by disturbed triatomines: a possible alternative monitoring tool.the quick detection of domestic and peridomestic triatomines in their environments becomes difficult without the use of dislodgement substances that flush them out from their shelters. at present, tetramethrin 0.2% is being widely used in control programs. although it is an efficient dislodging agent, its toxicity might affect the health of captured triatomines, of other insects and, to a lesser extent, of other animals, including humans. here, we tested if semiochemicals released by disturbed a ...201324581366
complexes of ferriheme nitrophorin 4 with low-molecular weight thiol(ate)s occurring in blood plasma.nitrophorins are proteins occurring in the saliva of the blood-sucking insect rhodnius prolixus to carry no as a vasodilator and blood-coagulation inhibitor into the victim's tissue. it was suggested that the rate of no release can be enhanced by the blood-plasma component l-cysteine [j.m.c.ribeiro, insect biochem. mol. biol. 26 (1996) 899-905]. however, the mechanism of the reaction is not clear. in the attempt to exploit the reaction in detail, complexes of nitrophorin 4 (np4) with the thiols ...201323474537
learning and memory in rhodnius prolixus: habituation and aversive operant conditioning of the proboscis extension response.it has been largely accepted that the cognitive abilities of disease vector insects may have drastic consequences on parasite transmission. however, despite the research effort that has been invested in the study of learning and memory in haematophagous insects, hitherto few conclusive results have been obtained. adapting procedures largely validated in drosophila, honeybees and butterflies, we demonstrate here that the proboscis extension response (per) of the haematophagous insect rhodnius pro ...201323408803
circadian regulation of hemolymph and ovarian ecdysteroids during egg development in the insect rhodnius prolixus (hemiptera).ecdysteroids, classically studied as the molting hormones of insects, occur at lower levels in the adult stage, but their source and significance in adult physiology is debated. in rhodnius prolixus, a blood meal initiates a cycle of egg development and ecdysteroids appeared in the hemolymph within 1-2h of feeding. systematic changes in hemolymph ecdysteroid titer then occurred during egg development. there was a clear circadian rhythm in the hemolymph ecdysteroid titer throughout egg developmen ...201323954834
rhodnius prolixus and rhodnius robustus-like (hemiptera, reduviidae) wing asymmetry under controlled conditions of population density and feeding frequency.habitat change in rhodnius spp may represent an environmental challenge for the development of the species, particularly when feeding frequency and population density vary in nature. to estimate the effect of these variables in stability on development, the degree of directional asymmetry (da) and fluctuating asymmetry (fa) in the wing size and shape of r. prolixus and r. robustus-like were measured under laboratory controlled conditions. da and fa in wing size and shape were significant in both ...201323938387
perimicrovillar membrane assembly: the fate of phospholipids synthesised by the midgut of rhodnius prolixus.in this study, we describe the fate of fatty acids that are incorporated from the lumen by the posterior midgut epithelium of rhodnius prolixus and the biosynthesis of lipids. we also demonstrate that neutral lipids (nl) are transferred to the haemolymphatic lipophorin (lp) and that phospholipids remain in the tissue in which they are organised into perimicrovillar membranes (pmms). 3h-palmitic acid added at the luminal side of isolated midguts of r. prolixus females was readily absorbed and was ...201323827998
investigations of the signaling cascade involved in diuretic hormone stimulation of malpighian tubule fluid secretion in rhodnius prolixus.in insects, the excretory system is comprised of the malpighian tubules (mts) and the hindgut, which collectively function to maintain ionic and osmotic balance of the haemolymph and rid the organism of toxic compounds or elements in excess. secretion by the malpighian tubules of insects is regulated by a variety of hormones including peptidergic factors as well as biogenic amines. in rhodnius prolixus, two endogenous diuretic hormones have been identified; the biogenic amine serotonin (5-hydrox ...201324080126
expression, purification, and solid-state nmr characterization of the membrane binding heme protein nitrophorin 7 in two electronic spin states.the nitrophorins (nps) comprise a group of no transporting ferriheme b proteins found in the saliva of the blood sucking insect rhodnius prolixus . in contrast to other nitrophorins (np1-4), the recently identified membrane binding isoform np7 tends to form oligomers and precipitates at higher concentrations in solution. hence, solid-state nmr (ssnmr) was employed as an alternative method to gain structural insights on the precipitated protein. we report the expression and purification of (13)c, ...201324033104
rhodnius prolixus lipophorin: lipid composition and effect of high temperature on physiological role.lipophorin is a major lipoprotein that transports lipids in insects. in rhodnius prolixus, it transports lipids from midgut and fat body to the oocytes. analysis by thin-layer chromatography and densitometry identified the major lipid classes present in the lipoprotein as diacylglycerol, hydrocarbons, cholesterol, and phospholipids (pls), mainly phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylcholine. the effect of preincubation at elevated temperatures on lipophorin capacity to deliver or receive lipi ...201323361613
changes in the rate of co2 release following feeding in the insect rhodnius prolixus.we describe for the first time changes in the rate of co2 release (as a surrogate of metabolic rate) in the terminal larval stage of the insect rhodnius prolixus following a blood meal and during the molt leading to the adult stage. these data are presented on a whole-animal basis as well as per gram wet and dry weight. we have also used techniques that allow us to describe the rate of release per gram of actual body tissue (i.e., removing the weight of the remaining bloodmeal in the gut and the ...201312905116
[action of baytex on the eggs of rhodnius prolixus stal. bugs]. 20137010109
[effect of the knockdown caused by the gamma isomer of hexachlorocyclohexane on the feeding, copulation and fertility capacity of rhodnius prolixus stal. bugs]. 20136163070
salivary thiol oxidase activity of rhodnius prolixus.cysteine and other thiol compounds can accelerate the unloading of nitric oxide (no) from salivary nitrosyl-nitrophorins of the blood sucking bug rhodnius prolixus. the dependence of no unloading on cysteine concentration is biphasic, showing a maximum between 0.5 and 1 mm cysteine. the proposed mechanism of action for the unloading is a series of reactions where cysteine (at low concentrations) reacts with the heme group of nitrophorins to form cystine and superoxide. the superoxide then reacts ...20139014335
isolation and functional characterization of calcitonin-like diuretic hormone receptors in rhodnius prolixus.several families of diuretic hormones exist in insects, one of which is the calcitonin-like diuretic hormone (ct/dh) family. ct/dh mediates its effects by binding to family b g-protein coupled receptors (gpcrs). here we isolate and functionally characterize two r. prolixusct/dh receptor paralogs (rhopr-ct/dh-r1 and rhopr-ct/dh-r2) using a novel heterologous assay utilizing a modified human embryonic kidney 293 (hek293) cell line. rhopr-ct/dh-r1 is orthologous to the previously characterized d. m ...201324312424
ovarian dual oxidase (duox) activity is essential for insect eggshell hardening and waterproofing.in insects, eggshell hardening involves cross-linking of chorion proteins via their tyrosine residues. this process is catalyzed by peroxidases at the expense of h2o2 and confers physical and biological protection to the developing embryo. here, working with rhodnius prolixus, the insect vector of chagas disease, we show that an ovary dual oxidase (duox), a nadph oxidase, is the source of the h2o2 that supports dityrosine-mediated protein cross-linking and eggshell hardening. rnai silencing of d ...201324174530
decoding the ubiquitin-mediated pathway of arthropod disease vectors.protein regulation by ubiquitin has been extensively described in model organisms. however, characterization of the ubiquitin machinery in disease vectors remains mostly unknown. this fundamental gap in knowledge presents a concern because new therapeutics are needed to control vector-borne diseases, and targeting the ubiquitin machinery as a means for disease intervention has been already adopted in the clinic. in this study, we employed a bioinformatics approach to uncover the ubiquitin-mediat ...201324205097
aedes aegypti mosquitoes exhibit decreased repellency by deet following previous exposure.deet (n,n-diethyl-m-toluamide) is one of the most widely used mosquito repellents. although deet has been shown to be extremely effective, recent studies have revealed that certain individual insects are unaffected by its presence. a genetic basis for this has been shown in aedes aegypti mosquitoes and the fruit fly drosophila melanogaster, but, for the triatomine bug, rhodnius prolixus, a decrease in response to deet occurred shortly after previous exposure, indicating that non-genetic factors ...201323437043
expression analysis and molecular characterization of aquaporins in rhodnius prolixus.aquaporins (aqps) are water channels responsible for transport of water and, in some cases, transport of small solutes such as urea and glycerol across lipid bilayer membranes. hematophagous insects, such as rhodnius prolixus, ingest large volumes of fluid and must rapidly eliminate the excess of water and salts from the blood meal within the gut. in order to deal with this increase in body fluid volume, a hormone-controlled diuresis is activated, during which a high rate of water and salt absor ...201324035749
effects of starvation on the olfactory responses of the blood-sucking bug rhodnius prolixus.blood-sucking insects use olfactory cues in a variety of behavioral contexts, including host-seeking and aggregation. in triatomines, which are obligated blood-feeders, it has been shown that the response to co2, a host-associated olfactory cue used almost universally by blood-sucking insects, is modulated by hunger. host-finding is a particularly dangerous task for these insects, as their hosts are also their potential predators. here we investigated whether olfactory responses to host-derived ...201323619244
identification and expression of the ccap receptor in the chagas' disease vector, rhodnius prolixus, and its involvement in cardiac control.rhodnius prolixus is the vector of chagas' disease, by virtue of transmitting the parasite trypanosoma cruzi. there is no cure for chagas' disease and therefore controlling r. prolixus is currently the only method of prevention. understanding the physiology of the disease vector is an important step in developing control measures. crustacean cardioactive peptide (ccap) is an important neuropeptide in insects because it has multiple physiological roles such as controlling heart rate and modulatin ...201323874803
evidence for a conserved ccap-signaling pathway controlling ecdysis in a hemimetabolous insect, rhodnius prolixus.a vital feature in the success of ecdysozoa is their ability to shed their exoskeleton (a process called ecdysis) such that they can grow or change their morphology. in holometabolous insects, these behaviors are orchestrated by the sequential actions of neuropeptides, one of which is crustacean cardioactive peptide (ccap). little is known about the control of ecdysis in hemimetabolous insects. here, we report that ccap is essential for successful ecdysis in the hemimetabolous insect, rhodnius p ...201324204330
draft genome sequence of rhodococcus rhodnii strain lmg5362, a symbiont of rhodnius prolixus (hemiptera, reduviidae, triatominae), the principle vector of trypanosoma cruzi.we report the 4,385,577-bp high-quality draft assembly of the bacterial symbiont rhodococcus rhodnii strain lmg5362, isolated from the gut of rhodnius prolixus (hemiptera, reduviidae, triatominae), the principle vector of the protozoan trypanosoma cruzi, the etiological agent of chagas disease. this sequence might provide useful information for subsequent studies of the symbiotic relationship between rd. prolixus and rc. rhodnii, while also providing a starting point for the development of biote ...201323788540
characterization of burdock mottle virus, a novel member of the genus benyvirus, and the identification of benyvirus-related sequences in the plant and insect genomes.the complete nucleotide sequence of the burdock mottle virus (bdmov) isolated from an edible burdock plant (arctium lappa) in japan has been determined. bdmov has a bipartite genome, whose organization is similar to rna1 and rna2 of benyviruses, beet necrotic yellow vein virus (bnyvv), beet soil-borne mosaic virus (bsbmv), and rice stripe necrosis virus (rsnv). bdmov rna1 (7038 nt) contains a single open reading frame (orf) encoding a 249-kda polypeptide that consists of methyl-transferase, heli ...201323911632
validation of a poisson-distributed limiting dilution assay (lda) for a rapid and accurate resolution of multiclonal infections in natural trypanosoma cruzi populations.trypanosoma cruzi is the causative agent of american trypanosomiasis, a complex zoonotic disease that affects more than 10million people in the americas. strains of this parasite possess a significant amount of genetic variability and hence can be divided into at least six discrete typing units (dtus). the life cycle of this protist suggests that multiclonal infections may emerge due to the likelihood of contact of triatomine insects with more than 100 mammal species. to date, there have been a ...201323159798
novel adipokinetic hormones in the kissing bugs rhodnius prolixus, triatoma infestans, dipetalogaster maxima and panstrongylus megistus.peptides of the adipokinetic hormone (akh)/red pigment-concentrating hormone (rpch) family were isolated and sequenced from the retrocerebral corpora cardiaca of four kissing bugs which are all vectors of the protozoan trypanosoma cruzi responsible for chagas' disease. the sequence of three novel akhs were deduced from the multiple ms(n) electrospray mass data: the octapeptide pglu-leu-thr-phe-ser-thr-asp-trp amide (denoted rhopr-akh) in rhodnius prolixus and panstrongylus megistus, the nonapept ...201323137850
american trypanosomiasis.american trypanosomiasis is a parasitic disease caused by the flagellate protozoan trypanosoma cruzi. chagas disease is endemic in latin america, where an estimated 10-14 million people are infected, and an emerging disease in europe and the usa. trypanosoma cruzi is transmitted by blood-sucking bugs of the family reduviidae. rhodnius prolixus, panstrongylus megistus, triatoma infestans, and t. dimidiata are the main vectors in the sylvatic cycle. non vector-borne transmission includes blood tra ...201323829903
risk factors for domestic infestation by the chagas disease vector, triatoma dimidiata in chiquimula, guatemala.in guatemala prior to control initiatives, the main vectors of trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of chagas disease, were rhodnius prolixus and triatoma dimidiata. this study conducted in 2006 in the department of chiquimula recorded a high level of t. dimidiata infestation and an absence of r. prolixus in all surveyed communities. in guatemala, the presence of t. dimidiata as domestic, peridomestic and sylvatic populations results in control difficulties as houses are re-infested from the s ...201323597014
a novel hat element in bombyx mori and rhodnius prolixus: its relationship with miniature inverted repeat transposable elements (mites) and horizontal transfer.comparative analysis of transposable elements (tes) from different species can make it possible to reconstruct their history over evolutionary time. in this study, we identified a novel hat element in bombyx mori and rhodnius prolixus with characteristic gggcggca repeats in its subterminal region. meanwhile, phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that the elements in these two species might represent a separate cluster of the hat superfamily. strikingly, a previously identified miniature inverted re ...201323889491
rhodnius barretti, a new species of triatominae (hemiptera: reduviidae) from western amazonia.rhodnius barretti, a new triatomine species, is described based on adult specimens collected in rainforest environments within the napo ecoregion of western amazonia (colombia and ecuador). r. barretti resembles rhodnius robustus s.l., but mitochondrial cytochrome b gene sequences reveal that it is a strongly divergent member of the "robustus lineage", i.e., basal to the clade encompassing rhodnius nasutus, rhodnius neglectus, rhodnius prolixus and five members of the r. robustus species complex ...201324473808
trypanosoma cruzi tcsmug l-surface mucins promote development and infectivity in the triatomine vector rhodnius prolixus.tcsmug l products were recently identified as novel mucin-type glycoconjugates restricted to the surface of insect-dwelling epimastigote forms of trypanosoma cruzi, the etiological agent of chagas disease. the remarkable conservation of their predicted mature n-terminal region, which is exposed to the extracellular milieu, suggests that tcsmug l products may be involved in structural and/or functional aspects of the interaction with the insect vector.201324244781
metabolic signatures of triatomine vectors of trypanosoma cruzi unveiled by metabolomics.chagas disease is a trypanosomiasis whose causative agent is the protozoan parasite trypanosoma cruzi, which is transmitted to humans by hematophagous insects known as triatomines and affects a large proportion of south america. the digestive tract of the insect vectors in which t. cruzi develops constitutes a dynamic environment that affects the development of the parasite. thus, we set out to investigate the chemical composition of the triatomine intestinal tract through a metabolomics approac ...201324204787
the interaction between trypanosoma rangeli and the nitrophorins in the salivary glands of the triatomine rhodnius prolixus (hemiptera; reduviidae).the parasite trypanosoma rangeli develops in the intestinal tract of triatomines and, particularly in species of the genus rhodnius, invades the hemolymph and salivary glands, where subsequent metacyclogenesis takes place. many aspects of the interaction between t. rangeli and triatomines are still unclear, especially concerning the development of the parasite in the salivary glands and how the parasite interacts with the saliva. in this work, we describe new findings on the process of t. rangel ...201323295786
in search of magnetosensitivity and ferromagnetic particles in rhodnius prolixus: behavioral studies and vibrating sample magnetometry.magnetoreception is a sensory mechanism with wide phylogenetic distribution, which many organisms use for navigation and orientation. radical pair reactions and the use of magnetic particles have been proposed as mechanisms for magnetosensitivity in terrestrial animals. magnetosensitivity and the presence of a ferromagnetic material were tested in the hematophagous bug rhodnius prolixus (hemiptera: reduviidae: triatominae) vector of chagas disease in colombia and venezuela. r. prolixus is well k ...201323291498
post-feeding physiology in rhodnius prolixus: the possible role of fglamide-related allatostatins.allatostatins (asts) are neuropeptides that were first identified as inhibitors of juvenile hormone biosynthesis by the corpora allata of some insect species. the fglamide-related asts (fgla/asts) belong to one of three families of insect asts. previously, we showed that rhodnius prolixus fgla/asts (rhopr-fgla/asts) are present throughout the r. prolixus central nervous system and are associated with 5 dorsal unpaired median (dum) neurons in the mesothoracic ganglionic mass. a similar set of neu ...201324161751
rhodnius prolixus: modulation of antioxidant defenses by trypanosoma rangeli.trypanosoma rangeli is a protozoan parasite of insects and mammals that is challenged by the constant action of reactive oxygen species, generated either by its own metabolism or through the host immune response. the aim of this work was to investigate whether t. rangeli is able to modify the redox state of its insect vector, rhodnius prolixus, through the modulation of such antioxidant enzymes as superoxide dismutase (sod), catalase, and gpx present in the midgut of the insect. we verified that ...201425131776
intravital microscopy and image analysis of rhodnius prolixus (hemiptera: reduviidae) hematophagy: the challenge of blood intake from mouse skin.hematophagous insects transmit many of the most dangerous parasitic diseases. the transmission usually occurs during hematophagy or just after as this is when the vector and the host are in contact. the contact time is determined by the feeding performance of the insect in each host. in triatomines, feeding performance interferes with both their life cycle and the vectorial competence to transmit the hemoflagellate trypanosoma cruzi. triatomine bugs are vessel feeders, obtaining their blood meal ...201423886517
genotyping of trypanosoma cruzi in a hyper-endemic area of colombia reveals an overlap among domestic and sylvatic cycles of chagas disease.chagas disease is a neglected illness caused by the trypanosoma cruzi parasite, which widely affects american communities. this study attempted to identify t. cruzi genotypes circulating in four indigenous communities of the sierra nevada of santa marta, colombia, to investigate parasite transmission dynamics in these communities. in addition, some epidemiological variables to determine the risk factors for infection with this parasite, such as the prevalence of t. cruzi infection, the triatomin ...201424656115
trypanosoma cruzi transmission in a colombian caribbean region suggests that secondary vectors play an important epidemiological role.colombia, as part of the andean countries initiative has given priority to triatomine control programs to eliminate primary (domiciliated) vector species such as rhodnius prolixus and triatoma dimidiata. however, recent events of trypanosoma cruzi transmission in localities where r. prolixus and t. dimidiata are not present suggest that other species are involved in the t. cruzi transmission cycle.201425141852
tci/tcii co-infection can enhance trypanosoma cruzi growth in rhodnius prolixus.rhodnius prolixus is an obligate haematophagous insect and one of the most important vectors of trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of chagas disease in the americas. t. cruzi is a highly variable parasite which is not transmitted in the same efficiency by the different triatomine vectors. because different t. cruzi genotypes are aetiopathologically divergent, further elucidation of the transmission abilities of different chagas disease vectors is extremely important.201424593987
panstrongylus geniculatus and four other species of triatomine bug involved in the trypanosoma cruzi enzootic cycle: high risk factors for chagas' disease transmission in the metropolitan district of caracas, venezuela.chagas' disease is caused by the protozoan trypanosoma cruzi and is autochthonous to the americas. its distribution depends on triatomine bugs that are responsible for the transmission of the disease. in 2005, we reported the presence of panstrongylus geniculatus as a risk for chagas' disease transmission in caracas and neighboring areas. three massive oral outbreaks occurred in the following years. here we report the results of a 7-year study on triatomine species found in the metropolitan dist ...201425532708
decoding the anti-trypanosoma cruzi action of hiv peptidase inhibitors using epimastigotes as a model.aspartic peptidase inhibitors have shown antimicrobial action against distinct microorganisms. due to an increase in the occurrence of chagas' disease/aids co-infection, we decided to explore the effects of hiv aspartic peptidase inhibitors (hiv-pis) on trypanosoma cruzi, the etiologic agent of chagas' disease.201425464510
humoral responses in rhodnius prolixus: bacterial feeding induces differential patterns of antibacterial activity and enhances mrna levels of antimicrobial peptides in the midgut.the triatomine, rhodnius prolixus, is a major vector of trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of chagas disease in latin america. it has a strictly blood-sucking habit in all life stages, ingesting large amounts of blood from vertebrate hosts from which it can acquire pathogenic microorganisms. in this context, the production of antimicrobial peptides (amps) in the midgut of the insect is vital to control possible infection, and to maintain the microbiota already present in the digestive tract.201424885969
eco-epidemiology of chagas disease in an endemic area of colombia: risk factor estimation, trypanosoma cruzi characterization and identification of blood-meal sources in bugs.the sierra nevada de santa marta (snsm) is a mountainous area in colombia that is highly endemic to chagas disease. we explored some eco-epidemiological attributes involved in the chagas disease transmission scenario in three indigenous communities. an epidemiological survey was done, where parasite infection in reservoirs and insects, trypanosoma cruzi genotyping, identification of blood-meal sources in intradomiciliary insects using the high-resolution melting technique, and some risk factors ...201425331808
preparation of nitrophorin 7(δ1-3) from rhodnius prolixus without start-methionine using recombinant expression in escherichia coli.the heterologous recombinant expression of proteins in escherichia coli without start-methionine is a common problem. the nitrophorin 7 heme properties and function strongly depend on the accurate n-terminal amino acid sequence. leading protein expression into the periplasm by fusion with the leader peptide pelb yields functional protein; however, the folded protein sticks to the cell debris. therefore, the periplasmic fraction was dissolved in guanidinium chloride and folded by a drop-in method ...201424463016
toll signals regulate dorsal-ventral patterning and anterior-posterior placement of the embryo in the hemipteran rhodnius prolixus.insect embryonic dorso-ventral patterning depends greatly on two pathways: the toll pathway and the bone morphogenetic protein pathway. while the relative contribution of each pathway has been investigated in holometabolous insects, their role has not been explored in insects with a hemimetabolous type of development. the hemimetabolous insect rhodnius prolixus, an important vector of chagas disease in the americas, develops from an intermediate germ band and displays complex movements during ka ...201425908955
ca2+ and camp signaling pathways interact to increase the diuretic effect of serotonin in malpighian tubules of the kissing bug. focus on "serotonin triggers camp- and pka-1-mediated intracellular calcium waves in malpighian tubules of rhodnius prolixus". 201425275012
infrared detection without specialized infrared receptors in the bloodsucking bug rhodnius prolixus.bloodsucking bugs use infrared radiation (ir) for locating warm-blooded hosts and are able to differentiate between infrared and temperature (t) stimuli. this paper is concerned with the neuronal coding of ir in the bug rhodnius prolixus. data obtained are from the warm cells in the peg-in-pit sensilla (psw cells) and in the tapered hairs (thw cells). both warm cells responded to oscillating changes in air t and ir with oscillations in their discharge rates. the psw cells produced stronger respo ...201424944223
effects of infection by trypanosoma cruzi and trypanosoma rangeli on the reproductive performance of the vector rhodnius prolixus.the insect rhodnius prolixus is responsible for the transmission of trypanosoma cruzi, which is the etiological agent of chagas disease in areas of central and south america. besides this, it can be infected by other trypanosomes such as trypanosoma rangeli. the effects of these parasites on vectors are poorly understood and are often controversial so here we focussed on possible negative effects of these parasites on the reproductive performance of r. prolixus, specifically comparing infected a ...201425136800
[histologic study of neurosecretion of the brain and the subesophageal ganglion of rhodnius prolixus stål (hemiptera)]. 20144180635
[artificial feeding of rhodnius prolixus stal. (heteroptera, triatomidae) in laboratory]. 20144894414
[histophysiologic research on neurosecretion in the ventral nerve chain of rhodnius prolixus stal (hemiptera) during imago life]. 20144180582
dimerization of nitrophorin 4 at low ph and comparison to the k1a mutant of nitrophorin 1.nitrophorin 4, one of the four no-carrying heme proteins from the salivary glands of rhodnius prolixus, forms a homodimer at ph 5.0 with a kd of ∼8 μm. this dimer begins to dissociate at ph 5.5 and is completely dissociated to monomer at ph 7.3, even at 3.7 mm. the dimer is significantly stabilized by binding no to the heme and at ph 7.3 would require dilution to well below 0.2 mm to completely dissociate the np4-no homodimer. the primary techniques used for investigating the homodimer and the m ...201425489673
an insight into the transcriptome of the digestive tract of the bloodsucking bug, rhodnius prolixus.the bloodsucking hemipteran rhodnius prolixus is a vector of chagas' disease, which affects 7-8 million people today in latin america. in contrast to other hematophagous insects, the triatomine gut is compartmentalized into three segments that perform different functions during blood digestion. here we report analysis of transcriptomes for each of the segments using pyrosequencing technology. comparison of transcript frequency in digestive libraries with a whole-body library was used to evaluate ...201424416461
[technic for extracting a considerable quantity of hemolymph and for easily isolating the salivary glands in fifth-stage nymphs and adults of rhodnius prolixus]. 20144956468
female odours promote the activation of sheltered kissing bug rhodnius prolixus males and modulate their orientation.the existence of a pheromone emitted during copulation has been reported for rhodnius prolixus (hemiptera: reduviidae) stål. adults possess one pair of metasternal glands (mgs) from which female r. prolixus release volatiles mainly at night. we investigated whether these volatiles emitted by adult r. prolixus can modulate sexual-related behaviours of opposite and/or same sex individuals. we first used a shelter bioassay to test if adult activity patterns can be affected by chemical signals emitt ...201425855829
daily variation of the response to heat in rhodnius prolixus: the roles of light and temperature as synchronisers.triatominae are blood-sucking insects that localise their hosts with their multimodal host associated perceptive signals. among that sensory information, one of the main short-range cue is heat which, even in isolation, is able to trigger the proboscis extension response (per) preceding the bite. previous studies have demonstrated a rhythmic variation of the response to host signals compatible with the nocturnal habits of triatomine insects. this study was aimed at determining whether the per to ...201425200474
temperature-dependent variation in gas exchange patterns and spiracular control in rhodnius prolixus.insects display an array of respiratory behaviors, including the use of discontinuous gas exchange. this pattern is characterized by periods of spiracular closure, micro-openings (flutter), and complete openings during which the majority of gas exchange takes place. a current model of insect spiracular control suggests that spiracles are controlled by two interacting feedback loops, which produce the discontinuous pattern. the flutter period is thought to be initiated by a critically low partial ...201425079894
chitin deposition on the embryonic cuticle of rhodnius prolixus: the reduction of chs transcripts by chs-dsrna injection in females affects chitin deposition and eclosion of the first instar nymph.in a previous study, we found that the embryonic cuticle of rhodnius prolixus is a chitin-based structure that helps the first instar nymph to hatch from the chorion. here, we investigated how the reduction of transcripts induced by chs dsrna injection affects r. prolixus embryogenesis and eclosion. deposition of chitin in the embryonic cuticle begins later at embryogenesis, around day 8, and ends approximately at day 15, when the insects are ready for eclosion. in r. prolixus, chitin deposition ...201424412274
differential effects of ambient temperature on warm cell responses to infrared radiation in the bloodsucking bug rhodnius prolixus.thermoreceptors provide animals with background information about the thermal environment, which is at least indirectly a prerequisite for thermoregulation and assists bloodsucking insects in the search for their host. recordings from peg-in-pit sensilla and tapered hairs on the antennae of the bug rhodnius prolixus revealed two physiologically different types of warm cells. both types responded more strongly to temperature pulses produced by switching between two air streams at different consta ...201424381031
nmr investigations of nitrophorin 2 belt side chain effects on heme orientation and seating of native n-terminus np2 and np2(d1a).nitrophorin 2 (np2), one of the four no-storing and no-releasing proteins found in the saliva of the blood-sucking bug rhodnius prolixus, has a more ruffled heme and a high preference for a particular heme orientation (b) compared with nitrophorin 1 and nitrophorin 4, which show not a preference (a to b ratio of approximately 1:1), suggesting that it fits more tightly in the β-barrel protein. in this work we have prepared a series of "belt" mutants of np2(d1a) and (δm0)np2 aimed at reducing the ...201424292244
the distribution and physiological effects of three evolutionarily and sequence-related neuropeptides in rhodnius prolixus: adipokinetic hormone, corazonin and adipokinetic hormone/corazonin-related peptide.we have examined the distribution and physiological effects of three evolutionarily and sequence-related neuropeptides in rhodnius prolixus. these neuropeptides, adipokinetic hormone (rhoprakh), corazonin (crz) and adipokinetic hormone/corazonin-related peptide (rhopracp) are present in distinct, non-overlapping neuronal subsets in the central nervous system (cns), as determined by immunohistochemistry. corazonin-like immunoreactive cell bodies are present in the brain and ventral nerve cord, wh ...201424184870
molecular characterization of rhodnius prolixus' embryonic cuticle.the embryonic cuticle (ec) of rhodnius prolixus envelopes the entire body of the embryo during hatching and provides physical protection, allowing the embryo to pass through a narrow chorionic border. most of the knowledge about the ec of insects is derived from studies on ultrastructure and secretion processes during embryonic development, and little is known about the molecular composition of this structure. we performed a comprehensive molecular characterization of the major components extrac ...201424418313
synergistic induction of the clock protein period by insulin-like peptide and prothoracicotropic hormone in rhodnius prolixus (hemiptera): implications for convergence of hormone signaling pathways.we showed previously that release of the cerebral neurohormones, bombyxin (an insulin-like peptide, ilp) and prothoracicotropic hormone (ptth) from the brain have strong circadian rhythms, driven by master clock cells in the brain. these neurohormone rhythms synchronize the photosensitive brain clock with the photosensitive peripheral clock in the cells of the prothoracic glands (pgs), in which both regulate steroidogenesis. here, using immunohistochemistry and confocal laser scanning microscopy ...201424600396
unsaturated glycerophospholipids mediate heme crystallization: biological implications for hemozoin formation in the kissing bug rhodnius prolixus.hemozoin (hz) is a heme crystal produced by some blood-feeding organisms, as an efficient way to detoxify heme derived from hemoglobin digestion. in the triatomine insect rhodnius prolixus, hz is essentially produced by midgut extracellular phospholipid membranes known as perimicrovillar membranes (pmvm). here, we investigated the role of commercial glycerophospholipids containing serine, choline and ethanolamine as headgroups and r. prolixus midgut lipids (rml) in heme crystallization. all comm ...201424586467
the female reproductive system of the kissing bug, rhodnius prolixus: arrangements of muscles, distribution and myoactivity of two endogenous fmrfamide-like peptides.phalloidin staining f-actin was used to image muscle fiber arrangements present in the reproductive system of the adult female rhodnius prolixus. a mesh of muscle fibers encircles the ovaries whereas a criss-cross pattern of finer muscle fibers covers each ovariole. two layers of muscle fibers (arranged longitudinally and circularly) form the lateral oviducts. the circular layer of muscle fibers extends throughout the common oviduct and spermathecae. a chevron pattern of thicker muscle fibers ma ...201423598080
reprint of "the distribution and physiological effects of three evolutionarily and sequence-related neuropeptides in rhodnius prolixus: adipokinetic hormone, corazonin and adipokinetic hormone/corazonin-related peptide".we have examined the distribution and physiological effects of three evolutionarily and sequence-related neuropeptides in rhodnius prolixus. these neuropeptides, adipokinetic hormone (rhoprakh), corazonin (crz) and adipokinetic hormone/corazonin-related peptide (rhopracp) are present in distinct, non-overlapping neuronal subsets in the central nervous system (cns), as determined by immunohistochemistry. corazonin-like immunoreactive cell bodies are present in the brain and ventral nerve cord, wh ...201425016049
molecular characterization and possible biological roles of allatotropin in rhodnius prolixus.allatotropins (ats) are a family of neuropeptides that have been shown to stimulate the biosynthesis of juvenile hormone in certain insect species, and to have stimulatory activity on some visceral muscles. here, we have examined the at in rhodnius prolixus. molecular analysis revealed a cdna fragment of 973 bp encoding one mature amidated at (rhopr-at) with transcript levels observed in the central nervous system (cns) and pool of fat body, trachea and associated peripheral nerves. at-like immu ...201424177575
metabolism and water loss rate of the haematophagous insect rhodnius prolixus: effect of starvation and temperature.haematophagous insects suffer big changes in water needs under different levels of starvation. rhodnius prolixus is the most important haematophagous vector of chagas disease in the north of south america and a model organism in insect physiology. although there have been some studies on patterns of gas exchange and metabolic rates, there is little information regarding water loss in r. prolixus. we investigated whether there is any modulation of water loss and metabolic rate under different req ...201425394633
jack bean (canavalia ensiformis) urease induces eicosanoid-modulated hemocyte aggregation in the chagas' disease vector rhodnius prolixus.ureases are multifunctional proteins that display biological activities independently of their enzymatic function, such as induction of exocytosis and insecticidal effects. rhodnius prolixus, a major vector of chagas' disease, is a model for studies on the entomotoxicity of jack bean urease (jbu). we have previously shown that jbu induces the production of eicosanoids in isolated tissues of r. prolixus. in insects, the immune response comprises cellular and humoral reactions, and is centrally mo ...201424561121
the gap gene krüppel of rhodnius prolixus is required for segmentation and for repression of the homeotic gene sex comb-reduced.the establishment of the anterior-posterior segmentation in insects requires the concerted action of a hierarchical gene network. here, we study the orthologue of krüppel gap gene in the hemipteran rhodnius prolixus (rp-kr). we characterized its structure, expression pattern and function. the genomic sequence upstream of the rp-kr transcriptional unit shows a putative regulatory region conserved in the orthologue genes from drosophila melanogaster and tribolium castaneum. rp-kr expression is zyg ...201424406318
amines from vertebrates guide triatomine bugs to resources.most triatomine bugs (heteroptera: reduviidae) are nest-living insects that require vertebrate blood or invertebrate haemolymph to complete their life cycle. vertebrates accumulate excretory products in or near their nesting sites and we hypothesize that triatomines use emanations from such host wastes when searching for resources. here we recount how triatomine bugs increase upwind locomotion on a servosphere in response to volatile amine constituents of vertebrate excretions. fresh chicken fae ...201425260571
repellence produced by monoterpenes on rhodnius prolixus (hemiptera: reduviidae) decreases after continuous exposure to these compounds.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 ...201425525113
a phospholipase a2 gene is linked to jack bean urease toxicity in the chagas' disease vector rhodnius prolixus.ureases are multifunctional enzymes that display biological activities independent of their enzymatic function, including exocytosis induction and insecticidal effects. the hemipteran rhodnius prolixus is one of the known susceptible models for this toxicity. it has been shown that jack bean urease (jbu) has deleterious effects on r. prolixus, and these effects are modulated by eicosanoids, which are synthesized in a cascade involving phospholipase a2 (pla2) enzymes.201424055375
the molecular characterization of the kinin transcript and the physiological effects of kinins in the blood-gorging insect, rhodnius prolixus.the dramatic feeding-related activities of the chagas' disease vector, rhodnius prolixus are under the neurohormonal regulation of serotonin and various neuropeptides. one such family of neuropeptides, the insect kinins, possess diuretic, digestive and myotropic activities in many insects. in this study, we have cloned and examined the spatial expression of the r. prolixus kinin (rhopr-kinin) transcript. in addition, in situ hybridization has been used to map the distribution of neurons expressi ...201423624318
effects of chitin synthase double-stranded rna on molting and oogenesis in the chagas disease vector rhodnius prolixus.in this study, we provided the demonstration of the presence of a single chs gene in the rhodnius prolixus (a blood-sucking insect) genome that is expressed in adults (integument and ovary) and in the integument of nymphs during development. this chs gene appears to be essential for epidermal integrity and egg formation in r. prolixus. because injection of chs dsrna was effective in reducing chs transcript levels, phenotypic alterations in the normal course of ecdysis occurred. in addition, two ...201424398146
hunger is the best spice: effects of starvation in the antennal responses of the blood-sucking bug rhodnius prolixus.blood-sucking insects strongly rely on olfactory cues to find their vertebrate hosts. as in other insects with different lifestyles, it has been shown that endogenous and exogenous factors modulate olfactory responses. the triatomine bug rhodnius prolixus is an important vector of chagas disease and a classical model for studies of physiology and behavior. in this species, the behavioral response to host-derived odorants is modulated by both the time of the day and the starvation. here i investi ...201425280630
zanthoxylum caribaeum (rutaceae) essential oil: chemical investigation and biological effects on rhodnius prolixus nymph.a chemical investigation and bioassays against fifth-instar nymphae of the hematophagous insect rhodnius prolixus, vector of chagas disease, were conducted with the essential oil from zanthoxylum caribaeum. the main results may be summarized as follows: (i) 54 components were identified, corresponding to 90.4% of the relative composition; sesquiterpenes (47.3%) and monoterpenes (41.2%) are the major constituents; (ii) muurola-4,5-trans-diene and isodaucene are described for the first time as che ...201425224729
serotonin triggers camp and pka-mediated intracellular calcium waves in malpighian tubules of rhodnius prolixus.rhodnius prolixus is a hematophagous insect vector of chagas disease capable of ingesting up to 10 times its unfed body weight in blood in a single meal. the excess water and ions ingested with the meal are expelled through a rapid postprandial diuresis driven by the malpighian tubules. diuresis is triggered by at least two diuretic hormones, a crf-related peptide and serotonin, which were traditionally believed to trigger camp as an intracellular second messenger. recently, calcium has been sug ...201425009218
identification of uncoupling protein 4 from the blood-sucking insect rhodnius prolixus and its possible role on protection against oxidative stress.uncoupling proteins (ucps) play a critical role in the control of the mitochondrial membrane potential (δψm) due to their ability to dissipate the proton gradient, which results in the uncoupling of mitochondrial respiration from atp production. most reactive oxygen species generation in mitochondria occurs in complex iii, due to an increase of semiquinone (q(-)) half-life. when active, ucps can account as a potential antioxidant system by decreasing δψm and increasing mitochondrial respiration, ...201424746771
molecular phylogeny of triatomini (hemiptera: reduviidae: triatominae).the triatomini and rhodniini (hemiptera: reduviidae) tribes include the most diverse chagas disease vectors; however, the phylogenetic relationships within the tribes remain obscure. this study provides the most comprehensive phylogeny of triatomini reported to date.201424685273
[comparison of methods for the capture of triatomines ( hemiptera: reduviidae ) in attalea butyracea palms in the eastern plains of colombia].studying triatominae in their natural ecotopes has great significance in the epidemiology of chagas disease. gathering live insects and the establishment of insectaries allows countless studies. therefore, effective methods are needed for capturing wild triatomines, especially intrusive species such as rhodnius prolixus .201424652219
circadian modulation of learning ability in a disease vector insect, rhodnius prolixus.despite the drastic consequences it may have on the transmission of parasites, the ability of disease vectors to learn and retain information has just begun to be characterised. the kissing bug rhodnius prolixus, a vector of chagas disease, is an excellent model, particularly because conditioning the proboscis extension response (per) constitutes a valuable paradigm to study their cognitive abilities under carefully controlled conditions. another characteristic of these bugs is the temporal orga ...201526276862
thermosensation and the trpv channel in rhodnius prolixus.the thermal sense of triatomine bugs, vectors of chagas disease, is unique among insects. not only do these bugs exhibit the highest sensitivity to heat known in any animal up to date, but they can also perceive the infrared radiation emitted by the body of their warm-blooded hosts. the sensory basis of this capacity has just started to be unravelled. to shed additional light on our understanding of thermosensation, we initiated an analysis of the genetic basis of the thermal sense in rhodnius p ...201526225467
rhodnius prolixus smells repellents: behavioural evidence and test of present and potential compounds inducing repellency in chagas disease vectors.insect repellents are known since many decades ago and constitute a major tool for personal protection against the biting of mosquitoes. despite their wide use, the understanding of why and how repellents repel is relatively recent. in particular, the question about to what extent insects other than mosquitoes are repulsed by repellents remains open. we developed a series of bioassays aimed to test the performance of well established as well as potential repellent molecules on the chagas disease ...201526210345
identification, functional characterization, and pharmacological profile of a serotonin type-2b receptor in the medically important insect, rhodnius prolixus.in the chagas disease vector, rhodnius prolixus, two diuretic hormones act synergistically to dramatically increase fluid secretion by the malpighian tubules (mts) during the rapid diuresis that is initiated upon engorgement of vertebrate blood. one of these diuretic hormones is the biogenic amine, serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-ht), which controls a variety of additional activities including cuticle plasticization, salivary gland secretion, anterior midgut absorption, cardioacceleratory acti ...201526041983
identification and functional characterization of fglamide-related allatostatin receptor in rhodnius prolixus.fglamide-related asts (fgla/asts) are a family of brain/gut peptides with numerous physiological roles, including inhibition of juvenile hormone (jh) biosynthesis by the corpora allata and inhibition of visceral muscle contraction. fgla/asts mediate their effects by binding to a rhodopsin-like g-protein coupled receptor that is evolutionarily related to the vertebrate galanin receptor. here we determine the cdna sequence encoding fgla/ast receptor (fgla/ast-r) from the chagas disease vector, rho ...201525500190
calcium-induced lipid peroxidation is mediated by rhodnius heme-binding protein (rhbp) and prevented by vitellin.lipid peroxidation is promoted by the quasi-lipoxygenase (ql) activity of heme proteins and enhanced by the presence of free calcium. unlike mammalian plasma, the hemolymph of rhodnius prolixus, a vector of chagas disease, contains both a free heme-binding protein (rhbp) and circulating lipoproteins. rhbp binds and prevents the heme groups of the proteins from participating in lipid peroxidation reactions. herein, we show that despite being bound to rhbp, heme groups promote lipid peroxidation t ...201526111116
adipokinetic hormone signalling system in the chagas disease vector, rhodnius prolixus.neuropeptides and their g protein-coupled receptors are widespread throughout metazoa and in several cases, clear orthologues can be identified in both protostomes and deuterostomes. one such neuropeptide is the insect adipokinetic hormone (akh), which is related to the mammalian gonadotropin-releasing hormone. akh has been studied extensively and is known to mobilize lipid, carbohydrates and proline for energy-consuming activities such as flight. in order to determine the possible roles for thi ...201525545120
evaluation of reference genes for insect olfaction studies.quantitative reverse transcription pcr (qrt-pcr) is a robust and accessible method to assay gene expression and to infer gene regulation. being a chain of procedures, this technique is subject to systematic error due to biological and technical limitations mainly set by the starting material and downstream procedures. thus, rigorous data normalization is critical to grant reliability and repeatability of gene expression quantification by qrt-pcr. a number of 'housekeeping genes', involved in bas ...201525896676
identification and characterization of the adipokinetic hormone/corazonin-related peptide signaling system in rhodnius prolixus.the mammalian gonadotropin-releasing hormone is evolutionarily related to the arthropod adipokinetic hormone and the recently discovered adipokinetic hormone/corazonin-related peptide (acp). the function of the acp signaling system in arthropods is currently unknown. in the present study, we identify and characterize the acp signaling system in the kissing bug rhodnius prolixus. we isolated the complete cdna sequence encoding r. prolixus acp (rhopr-acp) and examined its expression pattern. rhopr ...201526138617
comparative analysis of zygotic developmental genes in rhodnius prolixus genome shows conserved features on the tracheal developmental pathway.most of the in-depth studies on insect developmental genetic have been carried out in the fruit fly drosophila melanogaster, an holometabolous insect, so much more still remains to be studied in hemimetabolous insects. having rhodnius prolixus sequenced genome available, we search for orthologue genes of zygotic signaling pathways, segmentation, and tracheogenesis in the r. prolixus genome and in three species of triatoma genus transcriptomes, concluding that there is a high level of gene conser ...201526187251
genomic and functional characterization of a methoprene-tolerant gene in the kissing-bug rhodnius prolixus.metamorphosis, which depends upon a fine balance between two groups of lipid-soluble hormones such as juvenile hormones (jhs) and ecdysteroids, is an important feature in insect evolution. while it is clear that the onset of metamorphosis depends on the decrease of jh levels, the way in which these hormones exert their activities is not fully understood in triatominae species. the discovery of a drosophila melanogaster mutant resistant to the treatment with the jh analog methoprene, led finally ...201525963043
functional characterization and expression analysis of the myoinhibiting peptide receptor in the chagas disease vector, rhodnius prolixus.myoinhibiting peptides (mips), which are also known as b-type allatostatins, are a family of neuropeptides found in protostomes. their primary structure is characterized by an amidated carboxyl-terminal motif consisting of a conserved pair of tryptophan residues normally separated by six non-conserved amino acids (w(x6)wamide). in the fruit fly drosophila melanogaster, mips are likely the ancestral ligands of the sex peptide receptor, which plays an important role in courtship and reproduction. ...201525218475
vital statistics of triatominae (hemiptera: reduviidae) under laboratory conditions: iv. panstrongylus geniculatus.a cohort of 100 eggs of panstrongylus geniculatus (latreille) was reared in the laboratory under constant conditions (temperature 26 ± 1°c, 60 ± 10% rh), with mortality and fecundity data recorded weekly. we calculated stage-specific development times, age-specific mortality and fecundity (18.4 eggs/♀/wk), and stage-specific and total preadult mortality (31.6%), and the weekly intrinsic rate of natural increase (r(o) = 0.096), the finite population growth rate (λ = 1.109), the net reproductive r ...201526336251
structure-activity relationships of two rhodnius prolixus calcitonin-like diuretic hormone analogs.the calcitonin-like diuretic hormone (ct/dh) in rhodnius prolixus influences various tissues associated with feeding-related physiological events. the receptors for this peptide have also been identified and shown to be expressed in these tissues. in the present study, we have investigated the effects of two r. prolixus ct/dh analogs (full-length form and n-terminal truncated form) on hindgut contractions and in a heterologous receptor expression system. the analogs contained the amino acid meth ...201524703964
myoinhibitors controlling oviduct contraction within the female blood-gorging insect, rhodnius prolixus.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 ...201525482544
identification, characterization and expression of a receptor for the unusual myosuppressin in the blood-feeding bug, rhodnius prolixus.myosuppressins are a family of the fmrfamide-like peptides. they have been characterized in many insects and shown to inhibit visceral muscle contraction. rhodnius prolixus possesses an unusual myosuppressin in that the typical flrfamide c-terminal motif is unique and ends with fmrfamide. in the present study, we isolated the cdna sequence for the r. prolixus receptor for this unusual myosuppressin (rhoprmsr). quantitative pcr indicates high relative transcript expression of rhoprmsr in the cent ...201525318350
the effect of convection on infrared detection by antennal warm cells in the bloodsucking bug rhodnius prolixus.previous work revealed that bloodsucking bugs can discriminate between oscillating changes in infrared (ir) radiation and air temperature (t) using two types of warm cells located in peg-in-pit sensilla and tapered hairs (zopf lm, lazzari cr, tichy h. j neurophysiol 111: 1341-1349, 2014). these two stimuli are encoded and discriminated by the response quotient of the two warm cell types. ir radiation stimulates the warm cell in the peg-in-pit sensillum more strongly than that in the tapered hair ...201525609113
Refresh
firstprev
12345678910...
nextlast
Displaying items 901 - 1000 of 1154