Changes in tsetse physiology after suppression of aquaporins.

<p>(A) qPCR expression of <i>aquaporins</i> (<i>gmmdripa</i>, <i>gmmdripb</i> and <i>gmmaqp5</i>) after knockdown utilizing siRNA injection. Data represent the mean ± SE for three samples and was normalized to <i>tubulin</i>. (B) Rate of water loss (%/h, diuresis plus cuticular and respiratory water loss) after siRNA injection and a subsequent bloodmeal. The combined injection group received all three siRNAs for <i>dripa</i>, <i>dripb</i> and <i>aqp5</i>. Data represent the mean ± SE of three groups of 6 flies. (C) Images of bloodfed flies after injection of siGFP or combined siAQPs showing increased size due to delayed water loss (diuresis along with cuticular and respiratory water loss). (D) qPCR expression of transcripts for antioxidant enzymes (<i>Mn/Fe superoxide dismutase</i>, <i>Mn/Fe sod</i>; <i>Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase</i>, <i>Cu/Zn sod</i>; <i>catalase</i>, <i>cat</i>) 6 h after blood feeding after combined knockdown of AQPs. Data represent the mean ± SE for three samples and was normalized to <i>tubulin</i>. (E) Average duration of survival under dehydrating conditions following blood feeding after suppression by siRNA injection. Each point represents mean ± SE of five groups of 10 flies. Black point represents the mean. (F) Heat tolerance following knockdown of <i>aqps</i>. n Data are presented as mean ± SE of three groups of 6 flies. Black point represents the mean. * indicates that the value is significantly different (*P<0.05; **, P<0.01; ***, P<0.001) than control. siGFP, short-interfering green fluorescent protein that serves as a control.