Localization of nitric oxide –producing hemocytes in Aedes and Culex mosquitoes infected with bacteria

This study conducted a parallel comparison of NO synthase (NOS) expression and NO production in hemocytes duringEscherichia coli K12 infection in four vector species:Aedes aegypti,Aedes albopictus,Culex pipiens molestus, andCulex pipiens quinquefasciatus. Increased NOS expression by NADPH diaphorase (NADPHd) staining and NO production by immunofluorescence against the by-product L-citrulline were observed in infected mosquito hemocytes distributed throughout the abdomens. NADPHd activity and citrulline labeling were particularly found in periostial hemocytes near the heart, but also on the ventral nerve chord (VNC). Pericardial cells ofAe. aegypti andCx. p. molestus showed increased citrulline immunofluorescence, suggesting their involvement in the immune response. Oenocytes displayed strong NADPHd and citrulline labeling independent of infection status. This comparative study, consistent with findings in other species, suggests a widespread phenomenon of NO ’s role in hemocyte responses duringE. coli infection. Found differences within and between genera highlight the importance of species-specific investigations.
Source: Cell and Tissue Research - Category: Cytology Source Type: research