The effect of mating on the expression of antimicrobial peptides in female Helicoverpa armigera
Author of the article:FAN Yin-Yin** DU Meng-Fang WANG Qiong LIU Xiao-Ming AN Shi-Heng LI Wei-Zheng GUO Xian-Ru YUAN
Author's Workplace：College of Plant Protection, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002, China
Key Words：Helicoverpa armigera, mating, antimicrobial peptide, postmating response, real time quantitative PCR
Abstract： [Objectives] To investigate the effect of mating on the expression of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) in female Helicoverpa armigera, and provide a basis for further research on the relationship between mating and female immune responses. [Methods] The relative expression of seven AMP genes, Cecropin 3, Cecropin D, Moricin, Attacin, Gloverin, Defensin and Lebocin, in the abdomens of virgin and mated H. armigera females were measured using real time quantitative PCR. [Results] With the exception of Cecropin D, expression of the other 6 genes generally increased within three hours of mating, although the timing of peak expression differed. The temporal trend in the expression of Gloverin and Lebocin was similar, with expression of both genes peaking just 1 h after mating. Temporal expression of Moricin, Attacin and Defensin was also similar, with expression increasing gradually to peak 3 h after mating, then declining. The expression of Cecropin D differed from that of the other genes in that there was no apparent change in expression 1 h after mating. Expression of this gene had obviously increased 3 h after mating, then gradually declined. [Conclusion] With the exception of Cecropin 3, expression of six other AMP genes generally occurred within 3 h of mating.