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PubMed2005

Tissue localization and regulation by juvenile hormone of human allergen Bla g 4 from the German cockroach, Blattella germanica (L.).

The German cockroach, Blattella germanica (L.), produces several potent protein aeroallergens, including Bla g 4, a approximately 20 kDa lipocalin. RT-PCR, Northern analyses and in situ hybridization showed that Bla g 4 is expressed only in the adult male reproductive system. Western blotting and ELISA with rBla g 4 antiserum detected immunoreactivity in the utricles and the conglobate gland, but not in other tissues of the male reproductive system. The Bla g 4 protein content of males increased from adult emergence to day 14, but during copulation Bla g 4 was depleted in the male and transferred to the female within the spermatophore. Topical application of juvenile hormone III stimulated Bla g 4 production by both conglobate gland and utricles.

Age Factors↗
PubMed2005

Molecular cloning, characterization and regulation of the cockroach vitellogenin receptor during oogenesis.

The vitellogenin receptor (VgR) belongs to the low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) superfamily, and mediates the uptake of vitellogenin (Vg) into developing oocytes of all oviparous species. We cloned and characterized a VgR from previtellogenic ovaries of the cockroach, Periplaneta americana (Pa). This is the first report on a VgR from a hemimetabolous insect. The cDNA, comprising 5722 bp, encoded a 1790-residue mature protein with a predicted molecular mass of 200.5 kDa. We next characterized the ovarian expression pattern, developmental regulation and cellular distribution of the VgR mRNA and protein. Northern blot analysis confirmed that a approximately 7.2 kb transcript was specifically expressed in ovarian tissues at high levels throughout ovarian development, especially in previtellogenic ovaries and in ovaries before adult emergence. RNA in situ hybridization and immunocytochemistry localized the VgR mRNA and protein to germ-line derived cells, the oocytes, and revealed that VgR gene transcription and translation begin very early during oocyte differentiation in the germarium. Immunoblot analysis detected an ovary-specific VgR protein of approximately 210 kDa that was present in previtellogenic ovaries on the day of female emergence. The VgR protein signal strengthened every day and was intense after initiation of vitellogenesis and onset of Vg uptake. The immunoblotting of vitellins demonstrated that Vg uptake occurred on day 5, one day after Vg first appeared in the haemolymph, indicating that the receptor-endocytotic machinery starts functioning soon after the ligand becomes available.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1991

Reproductive and developmental biology of the oriental cockroach Blatta orientalis (Dictyoptera).

At 27 degrees C and 45% r.h. in the laboratory, the oriental cockroach Blatta orientalis (L.) developed to adulthood in seven to nine instars for males (66% had eight instars) and eight to ten instars for females (67% had nine instars) in mixed groups, with up to twelve instars for isolated females. Nymphal development lasted 185 +/- 2 days for males, 216 +/- 4 days for females, with 89% survival to adulthood. Adult longevity was significantly more for males than females in mixed groups. Virgin females lived for 135 +/- 6 days compared with 87 +/- 9 days for females kept with males. After an initial maturation time of 12.2-13.5 +/- 0.4 days for mated and unmated females, oothecae were produced, on average, every 6-7 (range 2-29) days. Ootheca viability was 68% from females kept with males, 32% from females kept apart from males. Numbers of nymphs emerging were 14.1 +/- 0.26 after 45 days from mated female oothecae 8.2 +/- 0.3 after 49 days from unmated females. With sexual reproduction the sex ratio of progeny reaching adulthood was 1.1 males per female (n = 443), whereas unmated females produced only female progency, which is consistent with parthenogenetic reproduction. Drawings of the ventral aspect of the terminalia are given to show features useful for instar determination and for distinguishing between male and female nymphs and adults of B. orientalis.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Effects of hydroprene on development and reproduction in the Oriental cockroach, Blatta orientalis.

Nymphs of the Oriental cockroach Blatta orientalis were exposed during the penultimate and final instars to vinyl tiles treated with the juvenile hormone analogue hydroprene. Adults moulting from these nymphs exhibited deformities such as twisted wings in both sexes and modified genitalia in females. Females with deformities were unable to produce viable oothecae. B.orientalis confined on tiles treated with hydroprene at rates of 25-100 mg/m2 did not reproduce. The treatment rate of 10 mg/m2 reduced fecundity and caused 47-57% of resultant adults to have deformities, but some adults reproduced successfully and population growth was not suppressed.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

A prospective study of wheezing in young children: the independent effects of cockroach exposure, breast-feeding and allergic sensitization.

The objective of this study was to evaluate risk factors for persistent wheezing in a group of 2-4-year-old children after an index-wheezing episode in infancy. Eighty infants who had been seen at the Emergency Department for an episode of acute wheezing were followed for 2 yr in this prospective study. Caregivers completed a questionnaire, and children underwent clinical evaluation and skin prick testing 2 yr following the index-wheezing episode. Detection of respiratory viruses and analysis of exposure to major indoor allergens were carried out at enrollment. Immunoglobin E antibodies were measured at the beginning of the study and at the end of follow-up, using the CAP system. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with persistent wheezing. Seventy-three children (44 boys) completed the study. After 2 yr, 38 (52%) reported three or more wheezing episodes in the past 12 months (persistent wheezers). Independent risk factors for persistence of wheezing were allergic sensitization and exposure to cockroach allergen in the kitchen. Breast-feeding for at least 1 month was a protective factor. A strong association between allergic sensitization and persistence of wheezing was found in a group of very young children living in a subtropical area.

Allergens↗
PubMed1987

Purification and some properties of a lectin from the hemolymph of Periplaneta americana (American cockroach).

A lectin showing specificity for human A-type red blood cells was purified to homogeneity from the hemolymph of the American cockroach Periplaneta americana by affinity chromatography on bovine submaxillary gland mucin. This lectin was a huge molecule with molecular mass of about 1500 kDa, with a single subunit of 30-kDa protein, and required Ca2+ for expression of lectin activity. Electron microscopic examination showed that these molecules were rods with helical structure with an average length of 50.5 nm and width of 10 nm. The molecule was suggested to contain tandemly aligned basic units of 10 nm length.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Molecular cloning, developmental pattern and tissue expression of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase of the cockroach Blattella germanica.

In insects, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMG-CoA) synthesizes mevalonate for the production of nonsterol isoprenoids, which are essential for growth and differentiation. To understand the regulation and developmental role of HMG-CoA reductase, we have cloned a full-length HMG-CoA reductase cDNA from the cockroach Blattella germanica. This cDNA clone was isolated using as a probe a partial cDNA of B. germanica HMG-CoA reductase, amplified using the polymerase chain reaction. The composite 3433-bp cDNA sequence contains an open reading frame encoding a polypeptide of 856 amino acids (Mr, 93165). The C-terminal region is more similar to hamster HMG-CoA reductase than is the Drosophila melanogaster enzyme (79% and 69% conserved residues, respectively), and the potential transmembrane domains at the N-terminal region are structurally conservative with both enzymes. The C-terminal region of the B. germanica protein has been expressed as a fusion protein in Escherichia coli and exhibits HMG-CoA reductase activity. Analysis of B. germanica HMG-CoA reductase mRNA levels, reveals a 3.6-kb transcript, that is overexpressed in 4-day-old embryos. Northern-blot analysis of RNA samples from different adult female tissues shows high HMG-CoA reductase mRNA levels in the ovary and lower levels in brain and muscle.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1975

Agonistic behavior in the German cockroach, Blattella germanica.

Agonistic behavior in Blattella germanica is delineated with an emphasis on fighting techniques and population factors affecting aggressiveness. Male-male, male-female, and male-male encounters are not significantly different in either level of aggressiveness or frequency. Female-female carrying oothecae are, however, more aggressive than other female-female. The mean intensity of aggression increases as population density is increased, but number of contacts per individual per unit time remains constant. Defense of specific, territories does not occur and aggressive interactions are most common during the dark portion of the photocycle, when many of the cockroaches are observed to be foraging.

Aggression↗
PubMed2005

Olfactory receptors on the cockroach antenna signal odour ON and odour OFF by excitation.

A morphologically identifiable type of olfactory sensillum on the antenna of the American cockroach contains a pair of ON and OFF cells that responds oppositely to changes in the concentration of fruit odours. The odour of lemon oil was used to study the accuracy with which these cells can discriminate between rapid step-like, ramp-like and oscillating changes in odour concentration. The discharge rates of both cells are not only affected by the actual concentration at particular instants in time (instantaneous concentration) but also by the rate at which concentration changes. The impulse frequency of the fruit odour ON cell is high when odour concentration is high, but higher still when odour concentration is also rising. Conversely, the impulse frequency of the fruit odour OFF cell is high when odour concentration is low and higher still when odour concentration is also falling. Thus, the effect of odour concentration on the responses of both cells is reinforced by the rate of change. Sensitivity to the rate of concentration change becomes greater when the rate is low. Because of the high sensitivity to low rates of change, these cells are optimized to detect fluctuations in fruit odour concentration. Whereas the ON cell signals the arrival and presence of fruit odour, the OFF cell detects its termination and absence. These cells provide excitatory responses for both increase and decrease in fruit odour concentration and may therefore reinforce contrast information.

Action Potentials↗
PubMed2006

Identification and characterization of ectosymbionts of distinct lineages in Bacteroidales attached to flagellated protists in the gut of termites and a wood-feeding cockroach.

Bacterial attachments to nearly the entire surface of flagellated protists in the guts of termites and the wood-feeding cockroach Cryptocercus are often observed. Based on the polymerase chain reaction-amplified 16S rRNA gene sequences, we investigated the phylogenetic relationships of the rod-shaped, attached bacteria (ectosymbionts) of several protist species from five host taxa and confirmed their identity by fluorescence in situ hybridizations. These ectosymbionts are affiliated with the order Bacteroidales but formed three distinct lineages, each of which may represent novel bacterial genera. One lineage consisted of the closely related ectosymbionts of two species of the protist genus Devescovina (Cristamonadida). The second lineage comprised three phylotypes identified from the protist Streblomastix sp. (Oxymonadida). The third lineage included ectosymbionts of the three protist genera Hoplonympha, Barbulanympha and Urinympha in the family Hoplonymphidae (Trichonymphida). The ultrastructural observations indicated that these rod-shaped ectosymbionts share morphological similarities of their cell walls and their point of attachment with the protist but differ in shape. Elongated forms of the ectosymbionts appeared in all the three lineages. The protist cells Streblomastix sp. and Hoplonympha sp. display deep furrows and vane-like structures, but these impressive structures are probably evolutionarily convergent because both the host protists and their ectosymbionts are distantly related.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

Characterization of the dopamine receptor mediating the hyperpolarization of cockroach salivary gland acinar cells in vitro.

1. Intracellular recordings have been made of the hyperpolarization of cockroach salivary gland cells induced by nerve stimulation and dopamine. 2. The relative potency of a number of dopamine antagonists in inhibiting the dopamine- and nerve-mediated hyperpolarization was studied. SCH23390 (10-50 microM), chlorpromazine (0.1-5 microM), haloperidol (10-100 microM) and metoclopramide (1 mM) inhibited the hyperpolarization. 3. In contrast, domperidone and (+/-)-sulpiride potentiated the hyperpolarization induced by both nerve stimulation and dopamine. 4. Apparent dissociation constants (KDapp) were obtained for the blockade of the dopamine-induced hyperpolarization. The rank order of potency (KDapp in parentheses) was as follows: chlorpromazine (0.2 microM); haloperidol (3.3 microM); SCH23390 (4.1 microM); metoclopramide (265 microM); domperidone and (+/-)-sulpiride (inactive). 5. It is concluded that the receptor subserving the dopamine-induced hyperpolarization of the salivary gland acinar cells is the same as that mediating the secretory response to dopamine. In addition these data support our findings, which suggested that this receptor is similar to the D1 dopamine receptor, but distinct from the D2 receptor found in mammalian systems.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Effects of selective D1 and D2 dopamine agonists on cockroach salivary gland acinar cells in vitro.

1. The ability of the selective dopamine receptor agonists, fenoldopam and SKF38393 (D1) and quinpirole and LY163502 (D2), to mimic the effect of dopamine on cockroach salivary gland acinar cells has been investigated. 2. Intracellular recordings of the membrane potential established that all the agonists mimicked dopamine (i.e. they induced a hyperpolarization which was occasionally followed by a depolarization), whether applied by addition to the superfusate or locally by pressure ejection. 3. The rank order of potency of the agonists to induce a hyperpolarization was (equipotent molar ratio relative to dopamine in parentheses): dopamine (1) much much greater than fenoldopam (1000) greater than SKF38393 (3500) greater than LY163502 (13750) greater than quinpirole (35000). 4. The agonists also elicited secretion from the salivary gland when superfused onto the preparation. SKF38393 and quinpirole did not induce the same maximum rate of secretion as dopamine. The rank order of potency of the agonists was (minimum effective concentration in parentheses): dopamine (0.03 microM) much much greater than fenoldopam (4.8 microM) greater than SKF38393 (40.8 microM) greater than quinpirole (132 microM). 5. Both the hyperpolarizing and secretory responses to all the agonists were antagonized by the selective D1 antagonist, (+)-SCH23390, but not the selective D2 antagonist, (+/-)-sulpiride. 6. These results support the idea that the same receptors mediate both the hyperpolarizing and secretory responses, and that they are similar to the mammalian D1 receptor.

2,3,4,5-Tetrahydro-7,8-dihydroxy-1-phenyl-1H-3-ben↗
PubMed2005

Tachykinin-related peptide precursors in two cockroach species.

Tachykinins and tachykinin-related peptides (TKRPs) play major roles in signaling in the nervous system and intestine of both invertebrates and vertebrates. Here we have identified cDNAs encoding precursors of multiple TKRPs from the cockroaches Leucophaea maderae and Periplaneta americana. All nine LemTKRPs that had been chemically isolated in earlier experiments could be identified on the precursor of L. maderae. Four previously unidentified LemTKRPs were found in addition on the precursor. The P. americana cDNA displayed an open reading frame very similar to that of L. maderae with 13 different TKRPs. MALDI-TOF mass spectra from tissues of both species confirms the presence of all the TKRPs encoded on the precursor plus two additional peptides that are cleavage products of the N-terminally extended TKRPs. A tissue-specific distribution of TKRPs was observed in earlier experiments at isolation from brain and midgut of L. maderae. Our data do not suggest a differential gene expression but a different efficacy in processing of LemTKRP-2 and Lem/PeaTKRP-3 in the brain and intestine, respectively. This results in a gut-specific accumulation of these extended peptides, whereas in the brain their cleavage products, LemTKRP-1 and LemTKRP-3(11-19), are most abundant. Mass spectrometric analysis demonstrated the occurrence of the different TKRPs in single glomeruli of the tritocerebrum and in cells of the optical lobe.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2006

Systemic RNAi of the cockroach vitellogenin receptor results in a phenotype similar to that of the Drosophila yolkless mutant.

During vitellogenesis, one of the most tightly regulated processes in oviparous reproduction, vitellogenins are incorporated into the oocyte through vitellogenin receptor (VgR)-mediated endocytosis. In this paper, we report the cloning of the VgR cDNA from Blattella germanica, as well as the first functional analysis of VgR following an RNA interference (RNAi) approach. We characterized the VgR, VgR mRNA and protein expression patterns in pre-adult and adult stages of this cockroach, as well as VgR immunolocalization in ovarioles, belonging to the panoistic type. We then specifically disrupted VgR gene function using RNAi techniques. Knockdown of VgR expression led to a phenotype characterized by low yolk content in the ovary and high vitellogenin concentration in the haemolymph. This phenotype is equivalent to that of the yolkless mutant of Drosophila melanogaster, which have the yl (VgR) gene disrupted. The results additionally open the perspective that development genes can be functionally analyzed via systemic RNAi in this basal species.

Animals↗
PubMed1982

The influence of calcium on the control of fluid secretion in the cockroach salivary gland.

When cockroach salivary glands are bathed in calcium-free medium the basal rate of fluid secretion increases from about 1 nl/min to about 10 nl/min; maintained dopamine stimulation elicits a further rise in secretory rate which gradually declines. Evidence is presented which indicates that magnesium is unable to substitute for calcium in this system. When calcium is returned to the bathing solution after a period of calcium deprivation there is a transient increase in secretory rate. Stimulation of the glands in certain conditions which inhibit the secretory response leads to some kind of calcium-dependent active state in the secretory cells which can outlast the interaction of the agonist with its receptors. It is concluded that stimulus-secretion coupling in this gland involves a calcium-dependent second messenger system.

Animals↗
PubMed1983

Chlorotetracycline fluorescence associated with plasma membranes of cockroach salivary gland cells.

The fluorescent compound chlorotetracycline (CTC) enters the cells of the cockroach salivary gland. The acinar peripheral cells and the non-secretory duct cells become preferentially labelled by CTC. Microscopic examination of the intracellular distribution of CTC indicates that this compound labels the highly folded apical plasma membranes of the peripheral cells and the deep infolds of the basal plasma membranes of the non-secretory duct cells. Lanthanum blocks the entry of CTC into all of the gland cells and in this condition the CTC labels the basal surfaces of the acini and ducts. The results of this investigation support the idea that CTC labels calcium ions in the vicinity of plasma membranes.

Animals↗
PubMed1984

Cyclic AMP as a possible mediator of dopamine stimulation of cockroach gland cells.

Isolated salivary glands of the cockroach Nauphoeta cinerea Olivier secrete fluid in response to nerve stimulation or application of dopamine, the acinar cells undergoing a hyperpolarization during secretion. The aim of the present work was to examine whether cyclic AMP acts as a second messenger in the acinar cells to cause the secretory and electrical responses to the transmitter dopamine. Cyclic AMP (10-500 microM) in the bathing solution of isolated glands caused a dose-dependent secretory response but no change in the membrane potential of acinar cells. The time courses and magnitudes of the secretory responses to cyclic AMP resembled those features of responses to dopamine. Forskolin, an adenylate cyclase activator, caused fluid secretion but the responses were small and irregular. The phosphodiesterase inhibitor, 3-isobutyl-l-methylxanthine (IBMX)(1-1000 microM) produced fluid secretion in a dose-dependent manner, the maximal response being equal to that of dopamine. Maintained responses to cyclic AMP or IBMX required the presence of extracellular calcium ions. An inhibitor (MDL 12,330A) of adenylate cyclase suppressed the secretory responses to dopamine, cyclic AMP, IBMX, the ionophore A23817 or the readmission of calcium ions to the bathing solution; this inhibitor did not block the acinar hyperpolarization caused by nerve stimulation. Cyclic AMP stimulation of glands, bathed in chloride-free solution to prevent fluid secretion, produced a change in the gland cells which outlasted the period of exogenous cyclic AMP stimulation and expressed itself as a transient secretion upon return of the normal bathing solution. It was concluded that stimulus-secretion coupling in this gland involves a calcium-dependent second messenger system and that cyclic AMP is probably the second messenger. The evidence did not support the idea that cyclic AMP is also a second messenger for the acinar cell hyperpolarization evoked by nerve stimulation.

1-Methyl-3-isobutylxanthine↗
PubMed1974

Conductance changes associated with the secretory potential in the cockroach salivary gland.

1. Conductance changes in the acini of the cockroach salivary gland have been examined during nerve stimulation by means of two intracellular electrodes placed in the same acinus, the first electrode being used for recording membrane potential and the second for current injection.2. The transient hyperpolarization (secretory potential) in the acinus evoked by nerve stimuli is accompanied by a rise in membrane conductance. The conductance, however, remains high for a longer period than that of the response.3. Applying the analysis of Trautwein & Dudel (1958) to the secretory potentials recorded in the acinus (assumed to behave electrically like a single cell) gives estimates of the ;transmitter equilibrium potential'. The values indicate that the neurotransmitter increases the membrane potassium conductance.4. The hyperpolarization of the acinus evoked by 10(-6)M dopamine in the bathing fluid is also associated with an increase in membrane potassium conductance.

Animals↗