Malpighian tubules of Rhodnius prolixus: More than post-prandial diuresis

Rhodnius prolixus , a major vector of Chagas disease, may be considered the model upon which foundations insect physiology and biochemistry were built. It is an obligate blood feeder in meal triggers growth, development reproduction. The also post-prandial diuresis to maintain osmotic homeostasis. In R. as with other insects, Malpighian tubules play critical role this diuresis, much has been learned about insects. But post-genomic era brought new insights, identifying functions quite apart from for tubules. Indeed, microarrays, transcriptomes, proteomics have revealed roles that immunity, detoxification, pesticide resistance, tolerance overall stress. This particularly relevant since gorging on creates several challenges addition balance. Xenobiotics present or toxins produced by metabolism blood; these must neutralized excreted. These processes not well described at molecular level prolixus. paper will review involvement immunity aspects tubule virtue transcriptome analysis. analysis indicates potential mount robust innate immune response, contribute antioxidant production heme detoxification.