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. 1993 Sep 1;90(17):8093–8097. doi: 10.1073/pnas.90.17.8093

Probing the function of Drosophila melanogaster accessory glands by directed cell ablation.

J M Kalb 1, A J DiBenedetto 1, M F Wolfner 1
PMCID: PMC47294  PMID: 8367469

Abstract

The female Drosophila melanogaster fly undergoes behavioral changes after mating, including an increase in egg laying and an avoidance of remating. Accessory-gland products elicit these changes transiently when introduced into unmated female flies. We report here the generation and phenotype of flies that lack functional accessory-gland main cells as a consequence of genetically directed delivery of diphtheria toxin subunit A to those cells. Only main-cell secretions are essential for the short-term inhibition to remating; no other products of the genital tract can replace their function. Long-term inhibition to remating depends only on the storage of sperm in the female. Both sperm and main-cell secretions have roles in the increase of egg laying by the mated female. In addition to full-strength diphtheria toxin, we used low-activity toxins to kill only those cells that express toxin at high levels. These transgenic strains that express diphtheria toxins of different strengths in accessory-gland main cells will be useful in further defining the role of these cells.

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Selected References

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