Regulation of Complex Behavior by Neuropeptides

虽然昆虫的神经系统相对简单，但它并没有阻止这些动物从事相当复杂的行为。一种这样的昆虫行为给人类带来了很大的痛苦，那就是让蚊子找到吃血的宿主。利用我们人类发出的各种化学和视觉信号，蚊子能够定位我们并摄取我们的血液，并在这个过程中传播往往是致命的病原体。Klowden博士是研究复杂环境中蚊子行为的国际知名专家。他已经确定了昆虫本身控制其行为而不寻找寄主的时间。利用这些无所作为的时期，Klowden博士发现了一种与FMRFamide相关的新型神经肽--伊蚊头肽1，它能特异性地抑制黄热病蚊子寻找宿主的行为，并阻止它们以血液为食。使用极其困难的技术/外科技术，他可以开始解开伊蚊头肽1阻止蚊子寻找宿主行为发生的机制，以及这种激素如何与其他因素相互作用。这些基础研究的结果可能会带来新的发现，这些发现将对昆虫神经内分泌学和昆虫行为的进展产生重大影响。此外，这项研究得出的基本结论应为制定更好的战略以控制蚊子种群及其通过吸血活动传播的疾病提供必要的必要信息。

Although the insect nervous system is relatively simple, it has not prevented these animals from engaging in quite complex behaviors. One such insect behavior that has led to much human suffering is the one that allows a mosquito to find a host for a meal of blood. Using various chemical and visual signals that we humans give off, mosquitos are able to locate us and ingest our blood, and in the process transmit often deadly disease agents. Dr. Klowden is an internationally renown expert on mosquito behavior in the complex environment. He has identified times when the insect itself controls its behavior and does not seek a host. Using these periods of inaction, Dr. Klowden identified a novel FMRFamide-related neuropeptide, Aedes Head Peptide 1, that specifically inhibits host seeking behavior in the yellow fever mosquito, and prevents them from feeding on blood. Using extremely difficult technical/surgical techniques, he can begin to unravel the mechanisms by which Aedes Head Peptide 1 prevents mosquito host-seeking behavior from occurring, and how this hormone interacts with other factors. The results from these fundamental studies are likely to lead to new discoveries that will substantially impact progress in the neuroendocrinology of insects and insect behavior. In addition, basic findings derived from this research should provide essential information needed for the development of better strategies for the control of populations of mosquitoes and the diseases that they transmit via their blood-feeding activities.