The Feeding Response ofRhodnius Prolixusto Blood Fractions, and the Role of Atp

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Abstract
Second-instar larvae of Rhodnius prolixus will gorge on washed human erythrocytes suspended in Ringer, but not on plasma, either with or without platelets. The ED 50 of erythrocytes is 4.5 vol of packed cells per 1000 vol of Ringer. Erythrocyte ‘ghosts’ are non-stimulatory, whereas the haemolysate induces gorging. Phagostimulation by ‘ghosts’ is restored by resealing them in 1 mM adenosine triphosphate. Evidence is presented that Rhodnius responds to blood via a release of ATP from a few erythrocytes close to the epipharyngeal sense organs.