The Fat Body of the Hematophagous Insect Panstrongylus megistus (Hemiptera: Reduviidae): Histological Features and Participation of the beta-chain of ATP Synthase in the Lipophorin-Mediated Lipid Transfer

FRUTTERO, L.L; LEYRIA J.; MOYETTA N.R.; RAMOS FO; SETTEMBRINI BP; CANAVOSO L.E.

JOURNAL OF INSECT SCIENCE

UNIV ARIZONA

Lugar: Arizona; Año: 2019

1536-2442

n insects, lipid transfer to the tissues is mediated by lipophorin, the major circulating lipoprotein, mainly through a non-endocytic pathway involving docking receptors. Currently, the role of such receptors in lipid metabolism remains poorly understood. In this work, we performed a histological characterization of the fat body of the Chagas´ disease vector Panstrongylus megistus (Burmeister) subjected to different nutritional conditions. In addition, we addressed the role of the β-chain of ATP synthase (β-ATPase) in the process of lipid transfer from lipophorin to the fat body. Fifth instar nymphs in either, fasting or fed condition, were employed in the assays. Histological examination revealed that the fat body was composed by diverse trophocyte phenotypes. In the fasting condition, the cells were smaller and presented a homogeneous cytoplasmic content. The fat body of fed insects increased in size mainly due to the enlargement of lipid stores. In this condition, trophoc