Microbore binary gradient HPLC system

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The central theme of my research program is to understand the functioning of the insect nervous system, and to establish the mechanisms by which the components of the nervous system communicate with one another to produce appropriate physiological and behavioural outputs. We are identifying the interactions between the diverse neuroactive substances (amines and peptides) which are used in the model systems we have developed. Many of the bioactive neuropeptides are grouped into families and it is possible that these families may represent functional units that interact to modulate behaviour. Thus, a complex cascade of events leads to the initiation and maintenance of a behavioural act, events that allow the animal to undergo a transition into a new behavioural state. The proposal is for a Microbore Binary Gradient HPLC System that will allow us to analyze the peptidergic content of nervous tissue leading to the sequencing of the neuropeptides that control the physiological processes that are present in our model systems. In particular, we work on Rhodnius prolixus, a blood-gorging insect that is the vector for Chagas' disease. Following a blood meal the insect eliminates the excess water and salts by a process of diuresis and it is during this excretion that the parasite is transmitted to the human. We are interested in identifying the neuropeptides that control this diuresis.   Families of neuropeptides, working in concert with amines, are ideally suited to coordinate quite disparate physiological events associated with a common behaviour. Our model preparations test these assertions, and so it is essential to identify the native neuropeptides of interest.