Description
Leucokinin VIII is a diuretic peptide found in insects. Leucokinin VIII decreases membrane resistance in a Ca2+-dependent manner. Leucokinin VIII increases permeability of gap junctions in Anopheles Malphigian tubes, allowing passage of ions and smaller compounds such as inulin and sucrose.
References
Weng XH, Piermarini PM, Yamahiro A, et al. Gap junctions in Malpighian tubules of Aedes aegypti. J Exp Biol. 2008 Feb;211(Pt 3):409-22. PMID: 18203997.
Yu MJ, Beyenbach KW. Leucokinin activates Ca(2+)-dependent signal pathway in principal cells of Aedes aegypti Malpighian tubules. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol. 2002 Sep;283(3):F499-508. PMID: 12167601.
Wang S, Rubenfeld A, Hayes T, et al. Leucokinin increases paracellular permeability in insect Malpighian tubules. J Exp Biol. 1996;199(Pt 11):2537-42. PMID: 9320463.