Reactive oxygen species scavenging by catalase is important for female Lutzomyia longipalpis fecundity and mortality.

ABSTRACT: The phlebotomine sand fly Lutzomyia longipalpis is the most important vector of American visceral leishmaniasis (AVL), the disseminated and most serious form of the disease in Central and South America. In the natural environment, most female L. longipalpis are thought to survive for less than 10 days and will feed on blood only once or twice during their lifetime. Successful transmission of parasites occurs when a Leishmania-infected female sand fly feeds on a new host. Knowledge of factors affecting sand fly longevity that lead to a reduction in lifespan could result in a decrease in parasite transmission. Catalase has been found to play a major role in survival and fecundity in many insect species. It is a strong antioxidant enzyme that breaks down toxic reactive oxygen species (ROS). O

SUBMITTER: Diaz-Albiter H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3052318 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature