Brain-midgut short neuropeptide F mechanism that inhibits digestive activity of the American cockroach, Periplaneta americana upon starvation

► Starvation increased the number of sNPF-ir cells in the midgut epithelium but the refeeding decreased the number. ► Starvation for 4 weeks reduced α-amylase, protease and lipase activities in the midgut of Periplaneta americana but refeeding restored high levels. ► We showed sNPF as both a neuropeptide and a midgut factor that suppresses α-amylase, protease and lipase activities during starvation. ► Our data demonstrate an intricate interplay between the brain and midgut to regulate digestive activities.