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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
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
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
[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
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
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
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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
evaluation of insect cap2b analogs with either an (e)-alkene, trans- or a (z)-alkene, cis-pro isostere identifies the pro orientation for antidiuretic activity in the stink bug.the cap2b neuropeptide family plays an important role in the regulation of the processes of diuresis and/or antidiuresis in a variety of insects. while manse-cap2b (pelyafprv-nh2) and native cap2bs elicit diuretic activity in a number of species of flies, native cap2b sequences have been shown to elicit antidiuretic activity in the kissing bug rhodnius prolixus and the green stink bug acrosternum hilare, the latter being an important pest of cotton and soybean in the southern united states. anal ...201323036324
nmr studies of the dynamics of nitrophorin 2 bound to nitric oxide.the rhodnius nitrophorins are β-barrel proteins of the lipocalin fold with a heme protruding from the open end of the barrel. they are found in the saliva of the blood-sucking insect rhodnius prolixus, which synthesizes and stores nitric oxide (no) in the salivary glands, where no is bound to iron. no is released by dilution and an increase in ph when the insect spits its saliva into the tissues of a victim, to aid in obtaining a blood meal. in the adult insect, there are four nitrophorins, np1- ...201324116947
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
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
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
kinetics and computational studies of ligand migration in nitrophorin 7 and its δ1-3 mutant.nitrophorins (nps) are nitric oxide (no)-carrying heme proteins found in the saliva of the blood-sucking insect rhodnius prolixus. though np7 exhibits a large sequence resemblance with other nps, two major differential features are the ability to interact with negatively charged cell surfaces and the presence of a specific n-terminus composed of three extra residues (leu1-pro2-gly3). the aim of this study is to examine the influence of the n-terminus on the ligand binding, and the topological fe ...201323624263
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
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
evaluation of a co2 -free commercial mosquito attractant to capture triatomines in the laboratory.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 rh ...201324581352
impact of a community-based bug-hunting campaign on chagas disease control: a case study in the department of jalapa, guatemala.chagas disease control requires an innovative approach to strengthen community participation in vector surveillance. this paper presents a case study of a community-based bug-hunting campaign in guatemala. the campaign was implemented in 2007 in the following three stages: (i) a four week preparation stage to promote bug-hunting, (ii) a one week bug-hunting stage to capture and collect bugs and (iii) a 10 week follow-up stage to analyse the bugs and spray insecticide. a total of 2,845 bugs were ...201323579801
behavioral and toxicological responses of rhodnius prolixus and triatoma infestans (hemiptera: reduviidae) to 10 monoterpene alcohols.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 o ...201324180109
exploring the role of rhodtestolin, a cardio-inhibitor from the testes of rhodnius prolixus, in relation to the structure and function of reproductive organs in insect vectors of chagas disease.rhodtestolin is a cardio-inhibitor that was first discovered in testes extracts of the blood-feeding insect, rhodnius prolixus. its role in reproduction remains unconfirmed, but if delivered to the female during spermatophore formation, it may serve to calm the female and/or relax the vaginal muscles to facilitate delivery and storage of the spermatophore. we describe here the anatomy of reproductive organs in r. prolixus and show that rhodtestolin is present in a low-molecular weight fraction o ...201326462525
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
role of lysine and acidic amino acid residues on the insecticidal activity of jackbean urease.canavalia ensiformis has three isoforms of urease: jackbean urease (jbu), jackbean urease ii and canatoxin. these isoforms present several biological activities, independent from the enzymatic property, such as entomotoxicity and antifungal properties. the entomotoxic activity is a property of the whole protein, as well as of a 10 kda peptide released by insect digestive enzymes. here we have used chemical modification to observe the influence of lysines and acidic residues on jbu enzymatic and ...201323726854
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
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
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
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
[effect of the knockdown caused by the gamma isomer of hexachlorocyclohexane on the feeding, copulation and fertility capacity of rhodnius prolixus stal. bugs]. 20136163070
[action of baytex on the eggs of rhodnius prolixus stal. bugs]. 20137010109
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
[attalea butyracea palms adjacent to housing as a source of infestation by rhodnius prolixus (hemiptera: reduviidae)].the presence of rhodnius prolixus in palms on the eastern plains area of colombia provide a high risk for infection with trypanosoma cruzi. intensive surveillance of the palm tree habitat are necessary to confirm the presence of bugs and provide evidence that this habitat is a source of house infestations.201223242302
validation of reference genes for expression analysis in the salivary gland and the intestine of rhodnius prolixus (hemiptera, reduviidae) under different experimental conditions by quantitative real-time pcr.rhodnius prolixus is a blood-feeding insect that can transmit trypanosoma cruzi and trypanosoma rangeli to vertebrate hosts. recently, genomic resources for invertebrate vectors of human pathogens have increased significantly, and r. prolixus has been one of the main species studied among the triatomines. however, the paucity of information on many of the fundamental molecular aspects of this species limits the use of the available genomic information. the present study aimed to facilitate gene ...201222395020
cytoplasmic travels of the ecdysteroid receptor in target cells: pathways for both genomic and non-genomic actions.signal transduction of the insect steroid hormones, ecdysteroids, is mediated by the ecdysteroid receptor, ecr. in various cells of the insect rhodnius prolixus, ecr is present in both the nucleus and the cytoplasm, where it undergoes daily cycling in abundance and cellular location at particular developmental times of the last larval instar that are specific to different cell types. ecr favors a cytoplasmic location in the day and a nuclear location in the night. this study is the first to exam ...201222654867
structure and ligand-binding properties of the biogenic amine-binding protein from the saliva of a blood-feeding insect vector of trypanosoma cruzi.proteins that bind small-molecule mediators of inflammation and hemostasis are essential for blood-feeding by arthropod vectors of infectious disease. in ticks and triatomine insects, the lipocalin protein family is greatly expanded and members have been shown to bind biogenic amines, eicosanoids and adp. these compounds are potent mediators of platelet activation, inflammation and vascular tone. in this paper, the structure of the amine-binding protein (abp) from rhodnius prolixus, a vector of ...201223275168
lysophosphatidylcholine: a novel modulator of trypanosoma cruzi transmission.lysophosphatidylcholine is a bioactive lipid that regulates a large number of cellular processes and is especially present during the deposition and infiltration of inflammatory cells and deposition of atheromatous plaque. such molecule is also present in saliva and feces of the hematophagous organism rhodnius prolixus, a triatominae bug vector of chagas disease. we have recently demonstrated that lpc is a modulator of trypanosoma cruzi transmission. it acts as a powerful chemoattractant for inf ...201222132309
trypanosoma cruzi immune response modulation decreases microbiota in rhodnius prolixus gut and is crucial for parasite survival and development.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 an ...201222574189
extracellular application of cobalt: a fast and simple method for delineating invertebrate neurosecretory pathways.the extracellular cobalt backfilling technique was shown to be an excellent method to obtain cobalt backfills of invertebrate neurosecretory cells (nscs). aqueous cobalt was placed in an extracellular suction electrode into which a portion of a neurohaemal (nh) region containing the axons and/or terminals of nscs was drawn. spontaneously discharging extracellular action potentials were recorded as the cobalt was applied to the nh region, and the greater the electrical activity, the more extensiv ...20123347089
a nuclear single-nucleotide polymorphism (snp) potentially useful for the separation of rhodnius prolixus from members of the rhodnius robustus cryptic species complex (hemiptera: reduviidae).the design and application of rational strategies that rely on accurate species identification are pivotal for effective vector control. when morphological identification of the target vector species is impractical, the use of molecular markers is required. here we describe a non-coding, single-copy nuclear dna fragment that contains a single-nucleotide polymorphism (snp) with the potential to distinguish the important domestic chagas disease vector, rhodnius prolixus, from members of the four s ...201223219914
disintegrins from hematophagous sources.bloodsucking arthropods are a rich source of salivary molecules (sialogenins) which inhibit platelet aggregation, neutrophil function and angiogenesis. here we review the literature on salivary disintegrins and their targets. disintegrins were first discovered in snake venoms, and were instrumental in our understanding of integrin function and also for the development of anti-thrombotic drugs. in hematophagous animals, most disintegrins described so far have been discovered in the salivary gland ...201222778902
cruzipain promotes trypanosoma cruzi adhesion to rhodnius prolixus midgut.trypanosoma cruzi is the etiological agent of chagas' disease. cysteine peptidases are relevant to several aspects of the t. cruzi life cycle and are implicated in parasite-mammalian host relationships. however, little is known about the factors that contribute to the parasite-insect host interaction.201223272264
VectorBase: improvements to a bioinformatics resource for invertebrate vector genomics.VectorBase (http://www.vectorbase.org) is a NIAID-supported bioinformatics resource for invertebrate vectors of human pathogens. It hosts data for nine genomes: mosquitoes (three Anopheles gambiae genomes, Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus), tick (Ixodes scapularis), body louse (Pediculus humanus), kissing bug (Rhodnius prolixus) and tsetse fly (Glossina morsitans). Hosted data range from genomic features and expression data to population genetics and ontologies. We describe improvements ...201222135296
cathepsin l of triatoma brasiliensis (reduviidae, triatominae): sequence characterization, expression pattern and zymography.triatoma brasiliensis is considered one of the main vectors of chagas disease commonly found in semi-arid areas of northeastern brazil. these insects use proteases, such as carboxypeptidase b, aminopeptidases and different cathepsins for blood digestion. in the present study, two genes encoding cathepsin l from the midgut of t. brasiliensis were identified and characterized. mature t. brasiliensis cathepsin l-like proteinases (tbcatl-1, tbcatl-2) showed a high level of identity to the cathepsin ...201222100382
[action of altozar, altozide sr-10 and derivatives of farnesylic and 3,11-dimethyl-2-dodecenoic acids on rhodnius prolixus stal. bugs]. 20126355802
elimination of rhodnius prolixus in central america.rhodnius prolixus is one of the main vectors of trypanosoma cruzi, causative agent of chagas disease. in central america, it was first discovered in 1915 in el salvador, from where it spread northwest to guatemala and mexico, and southeast to nicaragua and costa rica, arriving also in honduras in the late 1950s. indoor residual spraying (irs) by the antimalaria services of costa rica prevented its spread southwards, and similar irs programmes appear to have eliminated it from el salvador by the ...201222357219
the distribution and physiological effects of the myoinhibiting peptides in the kissing bug, rhodnius prolixus.the myoinhibiting peptides (mips), also designated as allatostatin-bs or prothoracicostatic peptides in some insects, are neuropeptides that are characterized by two tryptophan (w) residues at the c-terminal, denoted as the w(x(6))wamide motif. they are believed to be the ancestral ligands for the drosophila sex peptide (sp) receptor. physiological functions of mips include the inhibition of contraction of insect visceral muscles, in addition to allatostatic and prothoracicostatic activities. th ...201222783161
okb, a novel family of brain-gut neuropeptides from insects.in insects, neuropeptides play a central role in the control of most physiological processes. the knowledge and characterization of new neuropeptide families, is of interest on the fields of genetics, genomics, neurobiology, endocrinology and evolution. this knowledge also provides the tools for the design of peptidomimetics, pseudopeptides or small molecules, capable of disrupting the physiological processes regulated by the signaling molecules and their receptors. this is a promising target fo ...201222480496
glycoinositolphospholipids from trypanosomatids subvert nitric oxide production in rhodnius prolixus salivary glands.rhodnius prolixus is a blood-sucking bug vector of trypanosoma cruzi and t. rangeli. t. cruzi is transmitted by vector feces deposited close to the wound produced by insect mouthparts, whereas t. rangeli invades salivary glands and is inoculated into the host skin. bug saliva contains a set of nitric oxide-binding proteins, called nitrophorins, which deliver no to host vessels and ensure vasodilation and blood feeding. no is generated by nitric oxide synthases (nos) present in the epithelium of ...201223077586
bioluminescent imaging of trypanosoma cruzi infection in rhodnius prolixus.usually the analysis of the various developmental stages of trypanosoma cruzi in the experimentally infected vertebrate and invertebrate hosts is based on the morphological observations of tissue fragments from animals and insects. the development of techniques that allow the imaging of animals infected with parasites expressing luciferase open up possibilities to follow the fate of bioluminescent parasites in infected vectors.201223013827
trypanosoma cruzi: effects of azadirachtin and ecdysone on the dynamic development in rhodnius prolixus larvae.the effects of azadirachtin and ecdysone on the trypanosoma cruzi population in the rhodnius prolixus gut were investigated. t. cruzi were rarely found in the gut compartments of azadirachtin-treated larvae. high parasite numbers were observed in the stomach of the control and ecdysone groups until 10 days after treatment and in the small intestine and rectum until 25 days after treatment. high percentages of round forms developed in the stomachs of all groups, whereas azadirachtin blocked the d ...201222626520
trypanosoma cruzi heparin-binding proteins mediate the adherence of epimastigotes to the midgut epithelial cells of rhodnius prolixus.heparin-binding proteins (hbps) have been demonstrated in both infective forms of trypanosoma cruzi and are involved in the recognition and invasion of mammalian cells. in this study, we evaluated the potential biological function of these proteins during the parasite-vector interaction. hbps, with molecular masses of 65·8 kda and 59 kda, were isolated from epimastigotes by heparin affinity chromatography and identified by biotin-conjugated sulfated glycosaminoglycans (gags). surface plasmon res ...201222310218
investigation of the potential involvement of eicosanoid metabolites in anti-diuretic hormone signaling in rhodnius prolixus.the use of naturally occurring plant-derived compounds for controlling insect pests remains an attractive alternative to potentially dangerous synthetic chemical compounds. one prospective plant-based compound, isoforms of the so-called jack bean urease (jbu) from the jack bean, canavalia ensiformis, as well a derived peptide, jaburetox-2ec, have insecticidal effects on an array of insect species. in the chagas' disease vector, rhodnius prolixus, some of the physiological effects attributed to t ...201222079222
interaction between trypanosoma rangeli and the rhodnius prolixus salivary gland depends on the phosphotyrosine ecto-phosphatase activity of the parasite.trypanosoma rangeli is the trypanosomatid that colonizes the salivary gland of its insect vector, with a profound impact on the feeding capacity of the insect. in this study we investigated the role of the phosphotyrosine (p-tyr) ecto-phosphatase activity of t. rangeli in its interaction with rhodnius prolixus salivary glands. long but not short epimastigotes adhered to the gland cells and the strength of interaction correlated with the enzyme activity levels in different strains. differential i ...201222749957
physalin b inhibits trypanosoma cruzi infection in the gut of rhodnius prolixus by affecting the immune system and microbiota.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 si ...201223085484
vector control intervention towards interruption of transmission of chagas disease by rhodnius prolixus, main vector in guatemala.in guatemala, the ministry of health (moh) began a vector control project with japanese cooperation in 2000 to reduce the risk of chagas disease infection. rhodnius prolixus is one of the principal vectors and is targeted for elimination. the control method consisted of extensive residual insecticide spraying campaigns, followed by community-based surveillance with selective respraying. interventions in nine endemic departments identified 317 villages with r. prolixus of 4,417 villages surveyed. ...201223147143
gene identification and enzymatic properties of a membrane-bound trehalase from the ovary of rhodnius prolixus.trehalose represents the main hemolymph sugar in most insects and its metabolic availability is regulated by trehalase. in this study, trehalase activity associated with the reproductive system was investigated in the insect rhodnius prolixus, a hematophagous hemipteran vector of chagas' disease. a single-copy gene that encodes a membrane-bound trehalase (rptre-2) was identified in the genome of r. prolixus. rptre-2 deduced amino acid sequence is closely related to other insect membrane-bound tr ...201222851503
learned host preference in a chagas disease vector, rhodnius prolixus.it has been largely assumed that the individual experience of disease vector insects may affect host choice and, as a consequence, have an important influence on parasite transmission. in particular, it is speculated that vector insects should be able to learn and remember the most and/or less defensive hosts, shifting their preference accordingly. nevertheless, despite the invested efforts in testing the capacity to learn and remember information of blood-sucking insects, only little conclusive ...201222138145
triacylglycerol biosynthesis occurs via the glycerol-3-phosphate pathway in the insect rhodnius prolixus.although triacylglycerol (tag) stores play a critical role in organisms, mechanisms underlying tag synthesis are poorly understood in invertebrates. in mammals, the synthesis of glycerolipids, including tag, diacylglycerol (dag) and phospholipids (pl), occurs predominantly by the glycerol-3-phosphate (g3p) pathway in most cell types, except for in enterocytes. in these cells, the monoacylglycerol (mag) pathway accounts for the majority of glycerolipid production. the insect rhodnius prolixus, a ...201222902317
anti-diuretic factors in insects: the role of capa peptides.insects have adapted to live in a wide variety of habitats and utilize an array of feeding strategies that present challenges to their ability to maintain osmotic balance. regardless of the feeding strategy, water and ion levels within the haemolymph (insect blood) are maintained within a narrow range. this homeostasis involves the action of a variety of tissues, but is often chiefly regulated by the excretory system. until recently, most research on the hormonal control of the excretory tissues ...201222226757
identification of a point mutation associated with pyrethroid resistance in the para-type sodium channel of triatoma infestans, a vector of chagas' disease.the voltage-gated sodium channel is the target site of pyrethroid insecticides. point mutations in the domain ii region of the channel have been implicated in pyrethroid resistance of several insect species. we identified the sequence of domain ii from the para sodium channel in rhodnius prolixus, a vector of chagas' disease. with this information, we cloned and sequenced the domain ii of the sodium channel from the other main chagas' disease vector: triatoma infestans. we also identified the pr ...201222210132
identification, spatial expression analysis and functional characterization of a pyrokinin-1 receptor in the chagas' disease vector, rhodnius prolixus.the capability or capa gene, encodes a pyrokinin-related peptide (known as pyrokinin-1, pk1) that contains the consensus carboxy-terminal sequence of wfgprl-nh(2). although the capa precursor polypeptide in rhodnius prolixus yields the anti-diuretic hormone, rhoprcapa-α2, no function has yet been elucidated for the pyrokinin-1 peptide, rhoprcapa-αpk1. in order to elucidate the possible physiological roles of the pk1-related peptides in r. prolixus, we have isolated and functionally characterized ...201222820129
triatomine infestation in guatemala: spatial assessment after two rounds of vector control.in 2000, the guatemalan ministry of health initiated a chagas disease program to control rhodnius prolixus and triatoma dimidiata by periodic house spraying with pyrethroid insecticides to characterize infestation patterns and analyze the contribution of programmatic practices to these patterns. spatial infestation patterns at three time points were identified using the getis-ord gi*(d) test. logistic regression was used to assess predictors of reinfestation after pyrethroid insecticide administ ...201222403315
identification of the native n-terminus of the membrane attaching ferriheme protein nitrophorin 7 from rhodnius prolixus.all species of the genus rhodnius have a characteristic red coloration in their salivary glands due to the presence of heme proteins. some of these secreted proteins, known as nitrophorins (nps), are responsible for many of the antihemostatic activities of rhodnius saliva such as anticoagulant and antihistamine. several nps have been described (np1-4 and np7), where np7 is the only one with affinity to phospholipid membranes. computational prediction suggested that np7 also has an extended n-ter ...201222349021
nuclear inelastic scattering and mössbauer spectroscopy as local probes for ligand binding modes and electronic properties in proteins: vibrational behavior of a ferriheme center inside a β-barrel protein.in this work, we present a study of the influence of the protein matrix on its ability to tune the binding of small ligands such as no, cyanide (cn(-)), and histamine to the ferric heme iron center in the no-storage and -transport protein nitrophorin 2 (np2) from the salivary glands of the blood-sucking insect rhodnius prolixus. conventional mössbauer spectroscopy shows a diamagnetic ground state of the np2-no complex and type i and ii electronic ground states of the np2-cn(-) and np2-histamine ...201222295945
cloning of the cdna, localization, and physiological effects of fglamide-related allatostatins in the blood-gorging bug, rhodnius prolixus.allatostatins (asts) are insect neuropeptides that were first identified as inhibitors of juvenile hormone biosynthesis by the corpora allata. there are three families of asts in insects, defined by their c-terminus conserved regions, one of which is fglamide. here we determine, for the first time in a hemipteran, the complete 1013 bp cdna sequence encoding the rhodnius prolixus fgla/asts (rhopr-fgla/asts), and confirm the transcript size using northern blot. phylogenetic analysis suggests that ...201222061445
elimination of rhodnius prolixus in el salvador, central america.epidemiological studies performed in el salvador between 1955-1972 demonstrated a high frequency of two triatomine vectors (triatoma dimidiata and rhodnius prolixus). however, the frequency of r. prolixus decreased by 1976 and this species has not been found since 1995. the main factors influencing the elimination of r. prolixus in el salvador are discussed in this paper.201223295761
insulin-like and testis ecdysiotropin neuropeptides are regulated by the circadian timing system in the brain during larval-adult development in the insect rhodnius prolixus (hemiptera).insulin-like peptides (ilps) regulate numerous functions in insects including growth, development, carbohydrate metabolism and female reproduction. this paper reports the immunohistochemical localization of ilps in brain neurons of rhodnius prolixus and their intimate associations with the brain circadian clock system. in larvae, three groups of neurons in the protocerebrum are ilp-positive, and testis ecdysiotropin (te) is co-localized in two of them. during adult development, the number of ilp ...201222964530
natural infection of triatomines (hemiptera: reduviidae) by trypanosomatids in two different environments in the municipality of ouro preto do oeste, state of rondônia, brazil.this study analyzed the occurrence and the contamination of triatomines by trypanosomatids in orbignya speciosa (babassu) specimens in the state of rondônia, brazil, in two different environments (pasture and woods).201222760144
assignment of the 1h nmr resonances of protein residues in close proximity to the heme of the nitrophorins: similarities and differences among the four proteins from the saliva of the adult blood-sucking insect rhodnius prolixus.the nuclear overhauser effects (noes) observed between heme substituent protons and a small number of nearby protein side chain protons in the water-elimination fourier transform noe spectroscopy (weft-noesy) spectra of high- and low-spin wild-type nitrophorin (np) 2 and its ligand complexes have been analyzed and compared with those observed for the same complexes of wild-type np3. these assignments were made on naturally abundant isotope samples, with the most useful protein side chains being ...201222711329
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