Distribution of NPY and NPY-Y1 receptor-like immunoreactivities in the central nervous system of Triatoma infestans (Insecta: Heteroptera).

The distributions of neuropeptide Y (NPY) -like immunoreactivity (LI) and that of its Y1 receptor (Y1), as well as their coexistence with cholecystokinin (CCK) -LI, were studied in the central nervous system of Triatoma infestans by using immunohistochemistry. NPY-immunoreactive (IR) cell bodies and fibers were observed in the brain, subesophageal ganglion, and thoracic ganglia. NPY-IR somata were seen in the optic lobe and the anteromedial and caudolateral soma rinds of the protocerebrum. Immunostained cell bodies were also found in the lateral edge of the antennal lobe glomeruli as well as in the caudal part of the antennal mechanosensory and motor center. The subesophageal ganglion harbored few NPY-IR perikarya and fibers in the three neuromeres. Positive somata of the prothoracic ganglion were detected near both the cephalic and posterior connectives as well as by the root of prothoracic nerve I, whereas in the posterior ganglion, they were seen by the roots of mesothoracic and abdominal nerves. Coexpression of NPY-LI and CCK-LI was seen in cell bodies of the protocerebrum, the subesophageal and posterior ganglia. Protocerebral Y1-IR cell groups were detected in the anterolateral and posteromedial soma rinds and at the level of the lamina ganglionaris and the external optic chiasma. Numerous positive perikarya surrounded the antennal lobe glomeruli as well as the antennal mechanosensory and motor center. Other immunostained cell bodies were seen in the posterior edge of the esophageal canal and by the roots of the mandibular and the maxillary nerves. Y1-IR cell bodies of the prothoracic ganglion were found near the roots of prothoracic nerves I-II, whereas in the posterior ganglion, they were located mainly in the abdominal neuromeres. Coexpression of Y1-LI and CCK-LI were detected in several brain areas as well as in the metathoracic and abdominal neuromeres of the posterior ganglion. When assessed by immunoblotting, Y1 antibodies detected two protein bands between 34 and 46 kDa. Analysis of the distribution patterns of NPY-LI and Y1-LI suggest that peptide and receptor are mainly involved in the processing of information coming from sensory receptors.