The Effects of 5-Fluorouracil on Reproduction in Rhodnius Prolixus

Abstract

Adult females of Rhodnius prolixus Stal were given 1 Injection (dose range: 0.1–10 μg) of 5-f1uorouracil (5-FU) following their 1st blood meal. When injections of 5 or 10 μg were given immediately after feeding, the number of eggs produced was significantly reduced. The reduction in egg production by treated females was temporary since the number of eggs they produced following subsequent blood meals was equal to, or greater than, the numbers observed with untreated controls. Similar results were obtained when injections of 10 μg of 5-FU were not given until 4 days after the 1st blood meal. The injection of 1 μg or more of 5-FU resulted in a reduction in the percentage of eggs that hatched and also caused delays in oviposition and hatching of eggs. The occurrence of these latter effects following subsequent blood meals appeared to be related to the amount injected and the time the injection was given. An analysis by gel electrophoresis of soluble proteins in the eggs, hemolymph and ovaries did not reveal any marked differences between treated and untreated females. Observations on the disorganization of the growth structure of the ovaries in females injected with 10 μg of 5-FU are described.