Insect Diuretic Peptides: Structures, Evolution and Actions

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Abstract
SYNOPSIS. Diuretic peptides stimulate primary urine production by insect Malpighian tubules and, along with antidiuretic hormones, regulate water loss from the excretory system. There are two structurally distinct families of diuretic peptides. CRF-related diuretic peptides belong to the vertebrate CRF/sauvagine/urotensin I/urocortin superfamily. They increase urine production via a cyclic AMP-dependent mechanism, and there is evidence for one of them (Lom-DH) having a hormonal function in the control of post-feeding diuresis in locusts. Related peptides appear to trigger post-eclosion diuresis in moths. The insect kinins act via a Ca2+-dependent mechanism to stimulate urine production. They are found in hemolymph at levels sufficient to stimulate tubule secretion, but their role in the control of diuresis in vivo has still to be defined. In locusts, these two classes of diuretic peptide act synergistically to accelerate tubule secretion, which may be of physiological relevance. Indeed, synergism may be the norm in controlling tubule secretion, and can involve both neuropeptides and biogenic amines (notably serotonin). Although other diuretic peptides have been identified, their role as circulating hormones has yet to be established.

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