Mating pair combinations of insecticide-treated male and female Nilaparvata lugens Stål (Hemiptera: Delphacidae) planthoppers influence protein content in the male accessory glands (MAGs) and vitellin content in both fat bodies and ovaries of adult females

Non-ATPase regulatory subunits (Rpns) are components of the 26S proteasome involved in polyubiquitinated substrate recognition and deubiquitination in eukaryotes. Here, we identified 15 homologues sequences of Rpn and associated genes by searching the genome and transcriptome databases of the brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens , a hemipteran rice pest. Temporospatial analysis showed that NlRpn genes were significantly highly expressed in eggs and ovaries but were less-highly expressed in males. RNA interference-mediated depletion of NlRpn genes decreased the proteolytic activity of proteasome and impeded the transcription of lipase and vitellogenin genes in the fat bodies and ovaries in adult females, and reduced the triglyceride content in the ovaries. Decrease of the proteolytic activity of the proteasome via knockdown of NlRpn s also inhibited the transcription of halloween genes, including NlCYP307A2 , NlCYP306A2 and NlCYP314A1 , in the 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) biosynthetic pathway in the ovaries, reduced 20E production in adult females, and impaired ovarian development and oocyte maturation, resulting in reduced fecundity. These novel findings indicate that the proteolytic activity of the proteasome is required for female reproductive processes in N. lugens , thus furthering our understanding of the reproductive and developmental strategies in insects.

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The structure, formation, histochemistry, fate, and functions of the spermatophore of Lytta nuttalli Say (Coleoptera: Meloidae)

Canadian Journal of Zoology ◽

10.1139/z71-231 ◽

1971 ◽

Vol 49 (12) ◽

pp. 1595-1610 ◽

Cited By ~ 24

Author(s):

G. H. Gerber ◽

N. S. Church ◽

J. G. Rempel

Keyword(s):

Tube Wall ◽

Anterior Part ◽

Posterior Part ◽

Accessory Gland ◽

Male Accessory Gland ◽

Male And Female ◽

Male Accessory Glands ◽

Accessory Glands ◽

Sequence Of Events ◽

Probable Form

The spermatophore of Lytta nuttalli consists of a unique tubular structure and a mass of jelly-like material (JLM). The spermatozoa are located in the JLM at its junction with the tube. The tube wall is composed of three layers of "histochemically" different substances produced by the first pair of male accessory glands. The JLM is secreted by the vasa deferentia. During copulation, usually of 8 to 10 h duration, the tube is molded and hardened in the vagina and posterior part of the spermatophoral receptacle duct and the JLM in the anterior part of the duct. The tube of the spermatophore serves as an intromittent "organ" in the absence of an internal penial sac. The sequence of events in spermatophore formation and the roles of the materials from the second and third pairs of male accessory glands are described. After copulation, usually within 2 h, the tube is ejected by the female. Within 24 h after copulation, most of the spermatozoa are transferred to the spermatheca. The secretion of the female accessory gland apparently is involved in this process. The JLM and third male accessory gland materials are retained in the spermatophoral receptacle and apparently are absorbed. The histochemical composition of the male and female secretions and the components of the spermatophore and the cytology and secretory cycles of the glands are described. The spermatophore of L. nuttalli is compared with those of other insects and the probable form of the spermatophore in other Meloidae is considered.

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