Publications by authors named "D Zitnan"

In Europe, the tick Ixodes ricinus is the most important vector of numerous pathogens that are transmitted during blood feeding on their vertebrate hosts. To elucidate mechanisms controlling blood intake and associated transmission of pathogens we identified and described expression of short neuropeptide F (sNPF) and its receptors which are known to regulate feeding in insects. Using in situ hybridization (ISH) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) we stained numerous neurons producing sNPF in the central nervous system (CNS; synganglion), while a few peripheral neurons were detected anteriorly to the synganglion, and on the surface of the hindgut and leg muscles.

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Ion transport peptide (ITP) and a longer ITP-like (ITPL) are alternatively spliced insect neuropeptides involved in the regulation of development and water homeostasis. Using in situ hybridisation and immunohistochemistry, we determined site- and stage-specific expression of each peptide in Bombyx mori. Each peptide was differentially expressed, except for the prominent overlapping expression of both peptides in six pairs of the brain neurosecretory cells Ia.

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Enteroendocrine cells (ECs) in the insect midgut respond to physiological changes in the intestine by releasing multiple peptides to control food intake, gastrointestinal activity and systemic metabolism. Here, we performed a comprehensive mapping of ECs producing different regulatory peptides in the larval midgut of Bombyx mori. In total, we identified 20 peptide genes expressed in different ECs in specific regions of the midgut.

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Abstract: Ticks represent important vectors and reservoirs of pathogens, causing a number of diseases in humans and animals, and significant damage to livestock every year. Modern research into protection against ticks and tick-borne diseases focuses mainly on the feeding stage, i.e.

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Insect ecdysis triggering hormones (ETHs) released from endocrine Inka cells act on specific neurons in the central nervous system (CNS) to activate the ecdysis sequence. These primary target neurons express distinct splicing variants of ETH receptor (ETHR-A or ETHR-B). Here, we characterized both ETHR subtypes in the moth Bombyx mori in vitro and mapped spatial and temporal distribution of their expression within the CNS and peripheral organs.

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