SUMMARYMutants of norpA, encoding phospholipase Cβ (PLCβ), and itpr, encoding inositol (1,4,5)-trisphosphate receptor(IP3R), both attenuate response to diuretic peptides of Drosophila melanogaster renal (Malpighian) tubules. Intact tubules from norpA mutants severely reduced diuresis stimulated by the principal cell- and stellate cell-specific neuropeptides, CAP2b and Drosophila leucokinin (Drosokinin), respectively, suggesting a role for PLCβ in both these cell types. Measurement of IP3production in wild-type tubules and in Drosokinin-receptor-transfected S2 cells stimulated with CAP2b and Drosokinin, respectively, confirmed that both neuropeptides elevate IP3 levels.In itpr hypomorphs, basal IP3 levels are lower,although CAP2b-stimulated IP3 levels are not significantly reduced compared with wild type. However,CAP2b-stimulated fluid transport is significantly reduced in itpr alleles. Rescue of the itpr90B.0 allele with wild-type itpr restores CAP2b-stimulated fluid transport levels to wild type. Drosokinin-stimulated fluid transport is also reduced in homozygous and heteroallelic itpr mutants.Measurements of cytosolic calcium levels in intact tubules of wild-type and itpr mutants using targeted expression of the calcium reporter,aequorin, show that mutations in itpr attenuated both CAP2b- and Drosokinin-stimulated calcium responses. The reductions in calcium signals are associated with corresponding reductions in fluid transport rates.Thus, we describe a role for norpA and itpr in renal epithelia and show that both CAP2b and Drosokinin are PLCβ-dependent, IP3-mobilising neuropeptides in Drosophila. IP3R contributes to the calcium signalling cascades initiated by these peptides in both principal and stellate cells.