title: Effect of sequential cold shocks on survival and molting incidence in Panstrongylus megistus (Burmeister) (Hemiptera, Reduviidae).
abstract: The survival and molting incidence were studied in the insect, Panstrongylus megistus, following sequential cold shocks in which a milder shock at 0 or 5 degrees C for 1 h preceded a more severe shock (0 degrees C, 12 h). The shocks were separated by intervals of 8, 18, 24, and 72 h at 28 degrees C. The survival rate after sequential shocks was identical to that of unshocked controls. Cold-shock tolerance differed from heat-shock tolerance since the latter varied with the time between shocks and was much more transient. Sequential cold shocks produced a higher molting incidence when the first shock was given at 0 compared to 5 degrees C. This response was more rapid than that to sequential heat shocks. Cold-shock tolerance in P. megistus may involve heat-shock proteins, although other protective mechanisms may also occur concurrently. This is the first report of cold-shock tolerance in a blood-sucking hemipteran.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cell Biology, State University of Campinas, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: S L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Garcia
authors.forename: N L
authors.initials: NL
authors.lastname: Garcia
authors.forename: V L
authors.initials: VL
authors.lastname: Rodrigues
authors.forename: M L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Mello
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003080:Cold Temperature; D006360:Heat-Shock Proteins / Q000502:physiology; D006358:Hot Temperature; D018978:Molting; D010203:Panstrongylus / Q000254:growth & development / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D006360:Heat-Shock Proteins