Abstract
We examined intraspecific variability in the genus Rhodnius using starch gel electrophoresis of salivary heme proteins. Salivary protein profiles of 8 Rhodnius species (R. prolixus, R. robustus, R. neglectus, R. nasutus, R. ecuadoriensis, R. pallescens, R. pictipes, and R. domesticus) were compared. All species could be distinguished by this technique. The greatest protein polymorphism was found in R. ecuadoriensis, R. nasutus, R. robustus, and R. pictipes, followed by R. prolixus, R. neglectus, R. pallescens, and R. domesticus. This approach was able to distinguish R. prolixus from R. robustus and R. neglectus from R. nasutus, species with extreme phenotypical similarity.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Chagas Disease / transmission*
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Electrophoresis, Starch Gel
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Hemeproteins / chemistry*
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Hemeproteins / genetics
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Hemeproteins / metabolism
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Insect Vectors / chemistry
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Insect Vectors / classification*
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Insect Vectors / genetics
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Phenotype
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Polymorphism, Genetic / genetics
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Rhodnius / chemistry
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Rhodnius / classification*
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Rhodnius / genetics
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Salivary Glands / chemistry
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Salivary Glands / metabolism
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Salivary Proteins and Peptides / chemistry*
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Salivary Proteins and Peptides / genetics
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Salivary Proteins and Peptides / metabolism
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Trypanosoma cruzi / growth & development
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Videotape Recording
Substances
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Hemeproteins
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Salivary Proteins and Peptides