The octopamine receptor OA[alpha]1 influences oogenesis and reproductive performance in Rhodnius prolixus

The control of reproductive processes in Rhodnius prolixus involves a variety of neuroactive chemicals. Among these, several studies have suggested that the biogenic amine octopamine (OA), might play an active role in these processes. Here, we investigate the molecular profile of the R. prolixus [al...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:PloS one 2023-12, Vol.18 (12), p.e0296463
Main Authors: Finetti, Luca, Orchard, Ian, Lange, Angela B
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Analysis
Biogenic amines
Catecholamines
Chagas' disease
Egg industry
Health aspects
Oogenesis
Prevention
Risk factors
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Summary:The control of reproductive processes in Rhodnius prolixus involves a variety of neuroactive chemicals. Among these, several studies have suggested that the biogenic amine octopamine (OA), might play an active role in these processes. Here, we investigate the molecular profile of the R. prolixus [alpha] adrenergic-like OA receptor 1 (RpOA[alpha]1-R) and its role in egg production. Comparative molecular analyses confirm that the RpOA[alpha]1-R gene codes for a true OA[alpha]1 receptor. The RpOA[alpha]1-R transcript is highly expressed in tissues associated with egg production, and after a blood meal, which is the stimulus for full egg production in R. prolixus, the RpOA[alpha]1-R transcript is upregulated in the ovaries and spermatheca. After RNAi-mediated RpOA[alpha]1-R knockdown, an ovarian phenotype characterized by slow egg development is observed. Furthermore, an altered egg phenotype has been characterized with eggs that are deformed. Interestingly, there is no evidence of disruption in vitellogenin (Vg) synthesis by the fat body or uptake by the oocytes. On the other hand, RpOA[alpha]1-R downregulation is correlated with defective choriogenesis in the eggs. These results provide critical information concerning the role of OA[alpha]1-R in oogenesis in R. prolixus.
ISSN:1932-6203
1932-6203
DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0296463