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Title: Gustatory receptor neuron responds to DEET and other insect repellents in the yellow fever mosquito, aedes aegypti

Author
item Sanford, Jillian
item SHIELDS, VONNIE - Towson University
item Dickens, Joseph

Submitted to: Naturwissenschaften
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/25/2013
Publication Date: 2/14/2013
Citation: Sanford, J.L., Shields, V.D., Dickens, J.C. 2013. Gustatory receptor neuron responds to DEET and other insect repellents in the yellow fever mosquito, aedes aegypti. Naturwissenschaften. 100(3):269-273.

Interpretive Summary: Repellents are important tools for protection of humans from diseases such as malaria, dengue fever and West Nile virus transmitted by mosquitoes. Here we report the discovery of a taste receptor in the yellow fever mosquito that responds specifically to a feeding deterrent and broad spectrum repellents including DEET. This is the first report of a specific taste receptor for repellents in mosquitoes. This taste receptor may be used by entomologists and molecular biologists to screen chemicals in an effort to discover novel repellents for protection of humans and animals from disease vectors.

Technical Abstract: Three gustatory receptor neurons were characterized for contact chemoreceptive sensilla on the labella of female yellow fever mosquitoes, Aedes aegypti. The neuron with the smallest amplitude spike responded to the feeding deterrent, quinine, as well as DEET and other insect repellents. Two other neurons with differing spikes responded to salt (NaCl) and sucrose. This is the first report of a gustatory receptor neuron specific for insect repellents in mosquitoes, and may provide a tool for screening chemicals to discover novel or improved feeding deterrents and repellents for use in the management of arthropod disease vectors.