Purpose: The male accessory gland (MAG) protein modulates the host-seeking behavior and stimulating oviposition of female Aedes aegypti (L.) mosquitoes. In this study, a venereal transmission of MAG-317 from the mosquito Aedes aegypti (L.) into spermathecae of gravid females was tracked unambiguously during copulation. Methods: The specificity of the polyclonal antibodies rose against the gel-purified MAG-317 protein from MAGS of Ae. aegypti. This antiserum was subsequently used for the detection of MAG-317 protein in various tissues. Fifty three-day-old unmated labeled male mosquito's were fed an F solution (FITC-conjugated secondary Ab/glucose solution) for two days and placed into a rearing box with 25 three-day-old virgin females for random copulation. The labeled males and mated females were dissected and the accessory glands or spermathecae of each individual were examined using a confocal laser-scanning microscope. Results: In this study, fluorescein was incorporated into target protein in MAG and, fluorescein reaction in inseminated females was subsequently detected. The protein was found to be transmitted during copulation, and fluorescein reaction was seen in spermathecae, ovaries, oviducts, fertile eggs, and offspring. Conclusion: The MAG-317 protein from Aedes aegypti (L.) is transmitted into spermathecae of gravid females during copulation.
