Mosquito Aedes aegypti (L.) leucokinin receptor is critical for in vivo fluid excretion post blood feeding

The evolution of the blood feeding adaptation in mosquitoes required hormonal coordination of multiple physiological processes (behavior, digestion, diuresis, oogenesis). The Aedes kinins (leucokinin-like neuropeptides) are involved in post blood feeding physiological processes, having diuretic and myotropic functions. To understand the in vivo contribution of the kinin receptor to overall female post-prandial fluid excretion, RNAi knockdown was followed by fluid secretion assays which proved its fundamental role in rapid diuresis. The Aedes kinin receptor was also localized in several tissues not previously reported in mosquitoes. Results highlight the integrative role of the Aedes kinins in the success of the blood feeding adaptation.

► We investigated the integrative role of kinins in mosquito blood feeding adaptation.
► The head, ovaries, posterior midgut and hindgut express the kinin receptor protein.
► Midgut endocrine cells and rectal papillae show receptor immunostaining.
► Receptor partial silencing was achieved in Malpighian tubules and rectum by RNAi.
► RNAi reduced fluid excretion in vivo by 50% during post-peak diuresis.