Fig. 6
Spatial and temporal defensin A and B relative gene expression in Rhodnius prolixus orally infected with Trypanosoma cruzi. R. prolixus 5th instar nymphs were fed inactivated blood containing the T. cruzi Dm 28c clone or Y strain at a final concentration of 1 × 107 epimastigotes/mL. Data were quantified using the gene expression of uninfected insects as the calibrator, represented by the dotted horizontal line on each graph, and shown as the relative expression of (a) defA in the fat body, (b) defA in the anterior midgut, (c) defB in the fat body and (d) defB in the anterior midgut on the 1st and 7th days after feeding (DAF). Treatments: grid columns-relative gene expression in insects infected with T. cruzi Dm 28c; striped columns-relative gene expression in insects infected with T. cruzi Y. Bars represent the mean ± SEM of two independent experiments with six pools of insects (n = 6). Means were compared using one-way ANOVA and Student’s T-test; ** p < 0.01, * p < 0.05, ND = not determined