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(Reference retrieved automatically from SciELO through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Nuclear phenotype changes after heat shock in Panstrongylus megistus (Burmeister)

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Author(s):
Simone L Garcia [1] ; Maria Luiza S Mello [2] ; Vera Lúcia CC Rodrigues [3] ; Nancy L Garcia [4]
Total Authors: 4
Affiliation:
[1] Universidade Estadual de Campinas
[2] Universidade Estadual de Campinas
[3] Sucen - Brasil
[4] Universidade Estadual de Campinas - Brasil
Total Affiliations: 4
Document type: Journal article
Source: Memórias do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz; v. 95, n. 2, p. 271-277, 2000-04-00.
Abstract

The nuclear phenotypes of Malpighian tubule epithelial cells of male nymphs of the blood-sucking insect, Panstrongylus megistus, subjected to short- and long-duration heat shocks at 40ºC were analyzed immediately after the shock and 10 and 30 days later. Normal nuclei with a usual heterochromatic body as well as phenotypes indicative of survival (unravelled heterochromatin, giants) and death (apoptosis, necrosis) responses were observed in control and treated specimens. However, all nuclear phenotypes, except the normal ones, were more frequent in shocked specimens. Similarly altered phenotypes have also been reported in Triatoma infestans following heat shock, although at different frequencies. The frequency of the various nuclear phenotypes observed in this study suggests that the forms of cell survival observed were not sufficient or efficient enough to protect all of the Malpighian tubule cells from the deleterious effects of stress. In agreement with studies on P. megistus survival following heat shock, only long-duration shock produced strongly deleterious effects. (AU)