ACCUMULATION OF HSP70 IN FAT BODY AS A PROVE OF STRESS REACTION IN
MICROSPORIDIA-INFECTED INSECTS
K. V. Seleznev,1 A. V. Kinev, B. A. Margulis
Institute of Cytology RAS, St. Petersburg, Russia;
1 e-mail: rjcnbr@yahoo.com
At present a concept prevails that pathological alterations in insect hosts infected with microsporidia, and those associated with hormone imbalance may be
explained by the production of juvenile hormone-like (JH) substances by microsporidia. According to another view point, this pathology is a consequence of the host response.
We suggested that the microsporidian infection can provoke a stress reaction in insects, which may cause JH secretion by these insects. To confirm this hypothesis, we have
analysed major stress protein Hsp70 levels in the infected insects. Using affinity chromatography on ATP-agarose and immunoblotting, we have shown that Hsp70 was
accumulated in infected crickets, and that it was the host protein. The consequence of events accompanying the infection in the insects is discussed in relation to the response
of hormonal system of the host organism.
Key words: Hsp70, Microsporidia, Nosema, pathogen, host-parasite interactions, stress, pathology, juvenile hormone, JH, fat body, haemolymph
