Efeito do parasitismo de Cotesia flavipes (Cam.) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) sobre parâmetros imunológicos e morfofisiológicos em Diatraea flavipennella (Box) (Lepdoptera: Crambidae)

Abstract

Lepidopteran larval parasitism by endoparasitoids is associated with immune suppression and manipulation of the host physiology. This study investigated if the immune response in Diatraea flavipennella (Box) is suppressed by Cotesia flavipes (Cam.) and if changes occur in biochemical profile, haemolymph, and fat body, cytochemistry of hemocytes to ensure parasitism. Levels concentration of nitric oxide, phenoloxidase, and protein was determined. Total number of hemocytes per microliter of hemolymph and the average percentage of these cells were verified. Capacity of melanization and encapsulation by injection and ultrastructural analysis of microbeads was evaluated. Presence of apoptotic cells in fat body was investigated using TUNEL technique. Levels of carbohydrate, lipid, and protein in hemolymph and fat body were quantified, as well as the proteic profile of hemolymph was characterized. Histological sections of stained caterpillars were obtained using PAS (Periodic acid/Schiff's) reaction. Marking of acidic polysaccharides, mucin, and lipids was investigated on hemocytes. Results showed reduction in nitric oxide production, phenol oxidase activity, and total number of hemocytes. In the differential count, increase in number of plasmatocytes and reduction of spherulocytes were observed. The encapsulation capacity was affected. Apoptosis in hemocytes and fat body was registered. Reduction of proteins and lipids occurred in hemolymph and protein; reduction of carbohydrate occurred in body fat. Cytochemistry of hemocytes was changed, reducing the acidic polysaccharides in prohemocytes and oenocytoids, mucin in plasmatocytes and granulocytes, and lipids in adipohemocytes, granulocytes, and prohemocytes. It was also observed a drastic body fat degeneration. The proteic profile showed presence of four specific proteins of parasitism in the hemolymph. It is concluded that C. flavipes is effective for controlling D. flavipennella by suppressing the immune, humoral, and cellular response, altering the biochemical profile of hemolymph, fat body, and cytochemistry of hemocytes.