The Involvement of Rhopr-CRF/DH in Feeding and Reproduction in the Blood-gorging Insect Rhodnius prolixus

Rhodnius prolixus is a blood-gorging insect and vector of human Chagas disease, which is transmitted following feeding, when the insect excretes urine contaminated with the Trypanosoma cruzi parasite. Diuretic corticotropin-releasing factor-like peptide (Rhopr-CRF/DH) plays a major role in this post-prandial diuresis; however, its localization in the insectâ s central nervous system and expression of its receptor in feeding-related tissues as well as the female reproductive system suggests a multifaceted role for the hormone, beyond diuresis. Here, the involvement of Rhopr-CRF/DH in feeding and reproduction was investigated. Rhopr-CRF/DH-like staining decreased in neurosecretory cells of the CNS after feeding, and injection of the hormone resulted in intake of a significantly smaller blood meal. Adult females injected with Rhopr-CRF/DH produced and laid significantly fewer eggs, and application of Rhopr-CRF/DH to the lateral oviducts inhibited contractions. These findings have implications for vector control by highlighting targets to alter feeding, diuresis, and reproduction of this disease vector.M.Sc