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Immune depression in Rhodnius prolixus by seco-steroids, physalins.

D P Castro1, M B Figueiredo, I M Ribeiro

  • 1Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz , Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Brasil 4365, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21045900, Brazil.

Journal of Insect Physiology
|February 1, 2008
PubMed
Summary
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Physalins from Physalis angulata modulate the immune responses of the kissing bug R. prolixus. These seco-steroidal substances significantly impact insect mortality and cellular immune reactions when challenged with bacteria.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Immunology
  • Entomology

Background:

  • Physalis angulata is a plant known for its medicinal properties.
  • Physalins are seco-steroidal compounds isolated from Physalis species.
  • Rhodnius prolixus (kissing bug) is a vector of Chagas disease.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the immunomodulatory effects of physalins B, D, F, and G on the immune reactions of R. prolixus.
  • To determine if physalins affect insect mortality, lysozyme activity, antibacterial activity, and cellular immune responses.

Main Methods:

  • R. prolixus larvae were fed blood meals containing varying concentrations of physalins.
  • Insects were challenged with Enterobacter cloacae beta12.
  • Immune parameters measured included mortality rates, lysozyme activity, antibacterial activity, hemocyte counts, yeast cell-hemocyte binding, and microaggregate formation.

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Main Results:

  • Physalins did not affect ecdysis or general mortality but increased mortality when insects were challenged with E. cloacae.
  • Physalins B and F altered lysozyme activity, while physalin D reduced antibacterial activity.
  • Physalins significantly reduced yeast cell-hemocyte binding and internalization, and microaggregate formation (except physalin D).
  • Physalins B and F also decreased total hemocyte counts.

Conclusions:

  • Physalin B, D, F, and G act as immunomodulatory substances in R. prolixus.
  • The observed effects vary depending on the specific physalin, likely due to differences in chemical structure.
  • These findings highlight the potential of physalins in modulating insect immunity.