温度对黄粉虫体重增加、食物转化率及消化酶活性的影响

【目的】明确黄粉虫幼虫Tenebrio molitor体重增加和食物转化率提高的最适温度条件及肠道消化酶的种类及活性。【方法】在实验室不同温度条件下,测定了不同日龄黄粉虫幼虫的体重、食物的近似消化率与转化率及肠道蛋白酶、淀粉酶和纤维素酶的活性。【结果】温度对黄粉虫幼虫体重增加及食物的近似消化率(AD)和转化率(ECD)影响很大。在24~28℃时,3种不同日龄的黄粉虫幼虫体重明显高于20℃和32℃时的体重,28℃时60日龄和90日龄黄粉虫幼虫平均每天的体重增加量是同期20℃的1.26倍和1.35倍,且该虫对食物的近似消化率和转化率也表现出相同的规律。此外,温度也影响着黄粉虫幼虫体内消化酶的活力,当温度为24~28℃时,其肠道蛋白酶、淀粉酶、内切β-1,4-葡聚糖苷酶(Cx)和β-葡萄糖苷酶的活力均高于20℃和32℃时的活力,且不同龄期的黄粉虫幼虫体内4种消化酶的活力不同,随虫龄的增加4种消化酶活力明显升高。【结论】黄粉虫幼虫在24~28℃时对食物的转化率最高,体重增加最快,高龄黄粉虫幼虫肠道内4种消化酶活力均明显高于低龄幼虫。     

低致死剂量氯虫苯甲酰胺对沟金针虫食物利用和相关生理生化指标的剂量和时间效应

【目的】明确氯虫苯甲酰胺对沟金针虫Pleonomus canaliculatus亚致死效应的生理生化机制,阐明氯虫苯甲酰胺低致死剂量对沟金针虫食物利用、能量物质含量以及体内消化酶、保护酶和解毒酶活力的影响。【方法】室内采用土壤混药法测定氯虫苯甲酰胺对沟金针虫3龄幼虫毒力,并测定了氯虫苯甲酰胺LC₁₀, LC₂₅和LC₄₀低致死剂量对沟金针虫3龄幼虫营养指标和体内能量物质含量的影响;采用酶动力学法检测了氯虫苯甲酰胺低致死剂量处理1, 6, 12, 24, 48和72 h后沟金针虫3龄幼虫体内消化酶(蛋白酶、α-淀粉酶、脂肪酶、海藻糖酶)、保护酶(CAT, POD和SOD)以及解毒酶(CarE, MFO和GST)活力的动态变化。【结果】氯虫苯甲酰胺对沟金针虫3龄幼虫有较高毒力,其LC₅₀值为1.2397 mg/kg。LC₁₀和LC₄₀剂量氯虫苯甲酰胺处理沟金针虫3龄幼虫后,平均相对生长率(MRGR)和近似消化率(AD)显著降低,严重干扰其对食物的利用;LC₁₀, LC₂₅和LC₄₀剂量处理后沟金针虫3龄幼虫体内主要的能量物质(蛋白质、脂质、碳水化合物、海藻糖)含量和消化酶活力均明显降低,而解毒酶和保护酶活力显著增加,最终延缓其生长发育。【结论】氯虫苯甲酰胺对沟金针虫幼虫具有很高的杀虫活性,低致死剂量氯虫苯甲酰胺处理沟金针虫幼虫后,通过抑制消化酶活性,使其对食物的利用能力降低和生长发育延缓,以及诱导解毒酶和保护酶活性来阻止外界毒物侵害。研究结果为阐明氯虫苯甲酰胺对沟金针虫的亚致死效应机制及作用机理提供了一定的理论基础。     

慈菇蛋白酶抑制剂对亚洲玉米螟消化酶的影响

亚洲玉米螟幼虫中肠消化酶主要为胰蛋白酶：利用慈菇蛋白酶抑制剂研究它对玉米螟消化酶的影响,发现这种抑制剂体外强烈抑制玉米螟幼虫中肠消化酶：同时我们又比较了长时间取食（三龄至五龄第二天）和短时间取食(四龄未取食48小时)抑制剂的幼虫体内胰蛋白酶活性,当它们短时间取食抑制剂后,体内消化酶水平迅速下降,取食更长时间时,胰蛋白酶活力下降更明显,仅为对照的27．2%。由此可见,慈菇蛋白酶抑制剂严重影响了玉米螟的正常消化,阻断了玉米螟营养与食物间的联系．使玉米螟生长发育不良。     

长足大竹象幼虫消化酶活性的初步研究

应用酶学分析法研究了长足大竹象Cyrtotrachelus buqueti Guer幼虫消化酶的主要种类和活性.结果 表明,长足大竹象幼虫主要有7种消化酶.长足大竹象幼虫的消化酶活性大小排列顺序为:半纤维素酶＞果胶酶＞纤维素酶＞淀粉酶＞蔗糖酶＞脂肪酶＞蛋白酶;在40～55℃、pH值7.4～8.5时,半纤维素酶和果胶酶活...     

大熊猫胃肠道中消化酶活力的分析

为了研究大熊猫对食物的化学性消化特点和机制,测定了9只大熊猫唾液和3只大熊猫胃肠道中主要消化酶的活力,并与其他动物进行了比较.结果显示,大熊猫唾液呈碱性,蛋白酶和淀粉酶等消化酶活力低;肠道中淀粉酶活力高,而脂肪酶活力明显低于棕熊.大熊猫小肠粘膜中存在显著量的蔗糖酶、乳糖酶和麦芽糖酶活力.另外,在1只大熊猫胃和直肠液中检测到了少量纤维素酶活力.研究结果提示,大熊猫唾液直接参与食物消化的作用可能很弱;大熊猫对淀粉类食物有很好的消化能力,但对脂肪类食物消化能力相对不高.大熊猫胃肠道消化酶的活力特点适应其消化天然食物中的营养物质.     

意大利蜜蜂工蜂幼虫肠道中ame-miR-bantam对靶基因USP和P300的表达调控

【目的】本研究旨在通过饲喂法对意大利蜜蜂Apis mellifera ligustica工蜂幼虫肠道中ame-miR-bantam进行过表达与敲减,明确ame-miR-bantam对靶基因USP和P300表达的调控作用。【方法】通过饲喂ame-miR-bantam模拟物(mimic-ame-miR-bantam)和抑制物(inhibitor-ame-miR-bantam)及相应的阴性对照mimic-NC-ame-miR-bantam和inhibitor-NC-ame-miR-bantam,对意大利蜜蜂工蜂4-6日龄幼虫肠道组织中的ame-miR-bantam分别进行过表达和敲减。利用生物信息学软件进行ame-miR-bantam的靶向预测及分析。通过RT-qPCR检测4-6日龄意大利蜜蜂工蜂幼虫肠道中ame-miR-bantam的过表达和敲减效果及靶基因USP和P300的相对表达量。【结果】相较于饲喂mimic-NC-ame-miR-bantam,饲喂mimic-ame-miR-bantam后,ame-miR-bantam在意大利蜜蜂4-6日龄工蜂幼虫肠道中均显著上调;相较于饲喂inhibitor-NC-ame-miR-bantam,饲喂inhibitor-ame-miR-bantam后,ame-miR-bantam在4日龄工蜂幼虫肠道中显著下调,在5日龄和6日龄工蜂幼虫肠道中下调表达。ame-miR-bantam共靶向222个基因,可注释到细胞进程等35个GO条目和Wnt信号通路等160条KEGG通路。相比于饲喂mimic-NC-ame-miR-bantam的阴性对照组,过表达ame-miR-bantam后,4日龄工蜂幼虫肠道中USP和P300的表达量均为上调;5日龄工蜂幼虫肠道中USP的表达量下调,P300显著下调表达;6日龄工蜂幼虫肠道中USP和P300均显著下调表达。相比于饲喂inhibitor-NC-ame-miR-bantam的阴性对照组,敲减ame-miR-bantam后,4和5日龄工蜂幼虫肠道中USP和P300的表达量均为上调;6日龄工蜂幼虫肠道中USP显著上调表达,P300的表达量上调。【结论】通过饲喂模拟物和抑制物能够分别实现意大利蜜蜂工蜂幼虫肠道中ame-miR-bantam的有效过表达和敲减;幼虫肠道中ame-miR-bantam可负调控USP和P300的表达。     

外源激素处理后家蚕吡哆醛激酶和磷酸吡哆醇氧化酶转录水平的变化

【目的】研究家蚕 Bombyx mori 经蜕皮激素(20-hydroxyecdysone, 20-E)和保幼激素类似物(juvenile hormone analogue, JHA)处理后引起吡哆醛激酶(pyridoxal kinase, PLK)和磷酸吡哆醇氧化酶(pyridoxine-5′-phosphate oxidase, PNPO)的转录水平变化,为进一步研究激素对蚕体营养代谢等工作奠定基础。【方法】以20-E和JHA分别喂食不同发育时期(5龄第1, 3和5天)的家蚕幼虫,以喂食蒸馏水的家蚕为对照,采用实时荧光定量PCR(real-time quantitative PCR)方法在处理后24 和48 h对各组幼虫后部丝腺中PLP合成酶PLK和PNPO的转录水平进行分析。【结果】5龄第1天幼虫经20-E处理24和48 h后,PLK和PNPO的转录水平出现上调且与对照的差异达到极显著 (P＜0.01);5龄第3天幼虫经20-E处理,PLK的转录水平在48 h出现下调且与对照的差异达到显著(P＜0.05),PNPO的转录水平在24 和48 h均出现上调且与对照的差异达到极显著 (P＜0.01);5龄第5天幼虫经20-E处理后PLK和PNPO的转录水平无变化。5龄第1天幼虫经JHA处理后PLK和PNPO的转录水平未受到影响;5龄第3天幼虫经JHA处理后,PLK的转录水平在48 h出现显著下调且与对照的差异达到显著(P＜0.05),PNPO的转录水平在24和48 h后均出现显著下调且与对照的差异达到极显著(P＜0.05);5龄第5天幼虫经JHA处理24和48 h后,PLK和PNPO的转录水平出现下调且与对照的差异达到极显著 (P＜0.01)。【结论】20-E和JHA显著影响家蚕5龄幼虫PLK和PNPO的转录水平,20-E提高5龄前期家蚕PLK和PNPO的转录水平,JHA降低5龄后期它们的转录水平,为深入研究激素对VB₆的调控奠定基础。     

过表达和敲减ace-miR-3720对中华蜜蜂工蜂幼虫肠道的靶基因表达和重量的影响

【目的】本研究旨在明确ace-miR-3720在中华蜜蜂Apis cerana cerana工蜂幼虫肠道发育中的功能,并为进一步探究ace-miR-3720调控肠道发育的分子机理提供理论和实验依据。【方法】根据ace-miR-3720的核苷酸序列设计合成相应的模拟物mimic-miR-3720和抑制物inhibitor-miR-3720,通过饲喂中华蜜蜂工蜂幼虫对ace-miR-3720分别进行过表达和敲减。采用RT-qPCR检测过表达和敲减ace-miR-3720后4-6日龄幼虫肠道内ace-miR-3720及其靶基因CKⅠ, MAPK1和βGBP1的相对表达量;使用分析天平称重过表达和敲减ace-miR-3720后的幼虫肠道重量。【结果】相较于无义模拟物(nonsense mimic, mimic-NC)组,mimic-miR-3720组中ace-miR-3720表达量在中华蜜蜂4和5日龄幼虫肠道中均极显著上调,在6日龄幼虫肠道中显著上调;相较于无义抑制物(nonsense inhibitor, inhibitor-NC)组,inhibitor-miR-3720组中ace-miR-3720表达量在4日龄幼虫肠道中极显著下调,在5和6日龄幼虫肠道中显著下调。ace-miR-3720与基因CKⅠ, MAPK1和βGBP1之间存在潜在靶向关系。与mimic-NC组相比,mimic-miR-3720组中CKⅠ表达量在4和5日龄幼虫肠道中皆极显著下调,在6日龄幼虫肠道中显著下调;MAPK1表达量在4日龄幼虫肠道中显著下调,在5和6日龄幼虫肠道中均极显著下调;βGBP1表达量在4日龄幼虫肠道中显著下调,在5和6日龄幼虫肠道中均极显著下调;此外,4和5日龄幼虫肠道重量均极显著降低,6日龄幼虫肠道重量显著降低。与inhibitor -NC组相比,inhibitor-miR-3720组中CKⅠ表达量在4-6日龄幼虫肠道中皆极显著上调;MAPK1表达量在4日龄幼虫肠道中显著上调,在5和6日龄幼虫肠道中极显著上调;βGBP1表达量在4和6日龄幼虫肠道中显著上调,在5日龄幼虫肠道中极显著上调;此外,4和6日龄幼虫肠道重量显著升高,5日龄幼虫肠道重量极显著升高。【结论】ace-miR-3720在中华蜜蜂工蜂幼虫肠道内真实存在;通过饲喂模拟物和抑制物可对中华蜜蜂工蜂幼虫肠道内分别实现miRNA的有效过表达和敲减;ace-miR-3720可能通过调控CKⅠ, MAPK1和βGBP1的表达影响中华蜜蜂工蜂幼虫肠道重量并参与幼虫肠道发育。     

亚致死剂量阿维菌素对家蚕食物利用及中肠消化酶活性的影响

采用质量法和酶活力测定法研究了阿维菌素3种亚致死剂量（LC₅、LC₁₀和LC₂₀）处理对家蚕5 龄幼虫的食物利用及中肠3种消化酶活性的影响.结果表明：亚致死剂量阿维菌素处理对家蚕5龄幼虫的生长和食物利用有明显的抑制作用,体质量及其增加量、相对生长率均显著低于对照,同时伴随着取食量、相对取食量和排粪量减少,食物利用率和食物转化率显著降低,而近似消化率升高.阿维菌素处理的家蚕,其中肠淀粉酶和蔗糖酶活性前期受到抑制且持续时间较长,但随着幼虫的生长发育,逐渐恢复正常或高于对照;而海藻糖酶活性前期受抑制时间较短,随后活性迅速增强,并维持在与对照同一水平或高于对照.这些变化说明亚致死剂量阿维菌素对家蚕仍有一定的毒性,其程度随剂量的提高而增强,可导致家蚕消化系统紊乱,进而影响其生长发育和对食物的利用.     

敲减神经肽F基因(npf)对亚洲玉米螟取食、生长发育和繁殖的影响

【目的】神经肽F(neuropeptide F, NPF)是无脊椎动物特有的一类神经肽,因其C末端是苯丙氨酸(F)而命名,参与昆虫的取食、生物节律、学习记忆等多种生理功能的调控。本研究旨在明确NPF对亚洲玉米螟Ostrinia furnacalis生长发育的影响,为害虫防治提供重要依据。【方法】采用一种基于工程菌高效合成靶向昆虫基因的dsRNA的方法经济有效地敲降npf,用低浓度(0.01%)和高浓度(0.02%)dsNPF和dsGFP(对照)分别饲喂亚洲玉米螟1龄初、3龄初和5龄初幼虫直至化蛹,检测5龄幼虫平均取食量、体重、体长、存活率和化蛹率,蛹羽化率和成虫产卵量,以及幼虫各龄期、蛹发育历期和成虫寿命。【结果】从亚洲玉米螟1, 3和5龄初幼虫开始饲喂0.01%和0.02% dsNPF时,与饲喂相应浓度dsGFP的对照相比,除个别点外,5龄幼虫的取食量、体重、体长、存活率和化蛹率,蛹羽化率和成虫单雌产卵量均显著降低,幼虫各龄期、蛹发育历期均显著延长,成虫寿命显著缩短。且dsNPF处理幼虫的龄期越早对发育的影响越大。其中0.01% dsNPF处理的1龄幼虫和0.02% dsNPF处理的3龄幼虫有90%的个体在蛹期死亡,而0.02%dsNPF处理的1龄幼虫有90%的个体在幼虫期死亡。【结论】结果提示NPF对亚洲玉米螟的发育和取食具有调控作用,这为探索新型绿色的害虫防治提供了依据。     

卤虫投喂下长吻(鱼危)仔稚鱼消化酶发育和口宽变化的研究

采用酶学和形态学测定方法, 研究在投喂卤虫条件下长吻(鱼危)仔鱼4种主要消化酶: 胃蛋白酶、胰蛋白酶、脂肪酶和淀粉酶的活性变化以及长吻(鱼危)仔鱼口宽、全长变化。实验共进行13d, 实验结果表明: (1)长吻(鱼危)仔鱼全长、口宽的发育与其日龄表现出明显的线性正相关(R_TL²=0.974, R_MW²=0.964)。口宽与全长比值(MW/TL)在仔鱼开口后急剧下降, 并自7日龄开始维持在0.07—0.08, 口宽和全长处于同步发育期并表现出明显的相关性(R²=0.948), 说明7日龄(/h, days post hatching)后口宽和全长处于同步发育期, 标志仔鱼转食的开始。(2)长吻(鱼危)仔鱼初次开口时即可检测出四种消化酶的活性。5—7/h时胰蛋白酶显著高于初孵仔鱼, 与此时仔鱼开始开口摄食的行为相一致。胃蛋白酶、脂肪酶活性在仔鱼孵化后第7天即开口的第3天, 淀粉酶活性在孵化后第6天, 显著高于初次孵化出来的仔鱼。8—13/h时, 胃蛋白酶、胰蛋白酶、脂肪酶和淀粉酶活性均在较高水平平稳的波动, 标志着消化道发育逐渐健全。     

Potential role for gut microbiota in cell wall digestion and glucoside detoxification in Tenebrio molitor larvae

Tenebrio molitor larvae were successfully reared free of cultivatable gut lumen bacteria, yeasts and fungi using two approaches; aseptic rearing from surface sterilized eggs and by feeding larvae with antibiotic-containing food. Insects were reared on a rich-nutrient complete diet or a nutrient-poor refractory diet. A comparison of digestive enzyme activities in germ free and conventional insects containing a gut microbiota did not reveal gross differences in enzymes that degrade cell walls from bacteria (lysozyme), fungi (chitinase and laminarinase) and plants (cellulase and licheninase). This suggested that microbial-derived enzymes are not an essential component of the digestive process in this insect. However, more detailed analysis of T. molitor midgut proteins using an electrophoretic separation approach showed that some digestive enzymes were absent and others were newly expressed in microbiota-free larvae. Larvae reared in antibiotic-containing refractory wheat bran diet performed poorly in comparison with controls. The addition of saligenin, the aglycone of the plant glucoside salicin, has more deleterious effects on microbiota-free larvae than on the conventionally reared larvae, suggesting a detoxifying role of midgut microbiota. Analysis of the volatile organic compounds released from the faecal pellets of the larvae shows key differences in the profiles from conventionally reared and aseptically reared larvae. Pentadecene is a semiochemical commonly found in other beetle species. Here we demonstrate the absence of pentadecene from aseptically reared larvae in contrast to its presence in conventionally reared larvae. The results are discussed in the light of the hypothesis that microbial products play subtle roles in the life of the insect, they are involved in the digestion of refractory food, detoxification of secondary plant compounds and modify the volatile profiles of the insect host.     

Analysis of the Intestinal Microflora in Hepialus gonggaensis Larvae Using 16S rRNA Sequences

Gut microbial diversity provides insight into the basic function of a gut microbial ecosystem. In this study, restriction fragment length polymorphism 16S rRNA sequences was used to detect the intestinal microbial diversity of Hepialus gonggaensis larvae. The total DNA of microorganisms was extracted from the intestinal contents and 16S rRNA was amplified. A nearly full-length of 16S rRNA sequence library was constructed. The fingerprints of the microorganisms were analyzed by isolating plasmid and then digesting them with EcoRI, MspI, and HaeIII enzymes, respectively. The library established includes 35 restriction endonuclease types and a phylogenetic tree depicted the linkage of the isolated microbial from the guts of H. gonggaensis larvae. The dominant bacteria in the guts of H. gonggaensis larvae belong to Rahnella sp and Carnobacterium sp and accounted for 45.58% and 30.88% of the total 16S rRNA clones library, respectively. The result showed that bacteria diversity in the guts of H. gonggaensis larvae had some differences from those isolated from normal environment.     

红螯螯虾胚胎发育期主要消化酶和同工酶的活性变化

采用生物化学方法测定了红螯螯虾(Cherax quadricarinatus)胚胎发育各期主要消化酶(胃蛋白酶、胰蛋白酶、淀粉酶、纤维素酶和脂肪酶)的比活力及主要同工酶(乳酸脱氢酶、苹果酸脱氢酶、葡萄糖-6-磷酸脱氢酶和酯酶)的活力。结果显示,5种消化酶各自表现出不同的变化模式,胃蛋白酶和胰蛋白酶的比活力早期均逐渐上升,到发育后期胃蛋白酶出现快速下降,而胰蛋白酶却仍保持较高水平;淀粉酶比活力呈“V”字型变化趋势,晚期活性较高;纤维素酶和脂肪酶的比活力则均较低。4种同工酶酶谱随胚胎的发育渐趋复杂,酶活性也随之增强。结果表明,消化酶和同工酶活力的高低均受其基因的调控,并随胚胎发育适时表达,为胚胎组织、器官和系统的形成以及未来仔虾的开口摄食提供物质保证。     

Phenotypic plasticity of gut structure and function during periods of inactivity in Apostichopus japonicus

Apostichopus japonicus is a common sea cucumber that undergoes seasonal inactivity phases and ceases feeding during the summer months. We used this sea cucumber species as a model in which to examine phenotypic plasticity of the digestive tract in response to food deprivation. We measured the body mass, gross gut morphology and digestive enzyme activities of A. japonicus before, during, and after the period of inactivity to examine the effects of food deprivation on the gut structure and function of this animal. Individuals were sampled semi-monthly from June to November (10 sampling intervals over 178 days) across temperature changes of more than 18 degrees C. On 5 September, which represented the peak of inactivity and lack of feeding, A. japonicus decreased its body mass, gut mass and gut length by 50%, 85%, and 70%, respectively, in comparison to values for these parameters preceding the inactive period. The activities of amylase, cellulase and lipase decreased by 77%, 98%, and 35% respectively, in comparison to mean values for these enzymes in June, whereas pepsin activity increased two-fold during the inactive phase. Alginase and trypsin activities were variable and did not change significantly across the 178-day experiment. With the exception of amylase and cellulase, all body size indices and digestive enzyme activities recovered and even surpassed the mean values preceding the inactive phase during the latter part of the experiment (October-November). Principal Component Analysis (PCA) utilizing the digestive enzyme activity and body size index data divided the physiological state of this cucumber into four phases: an active stage, prophase of inactivity, peak inactivity, and a reversion phase. These phases are all consistent with previously suggested life stages for this species, but our data provide more defined characteristics of each phase. A. japonicus clearly exhibits phenotypic plasticity (or life-cycle staging) of the digestive tract during its annual inactive period.     

Effect of formulated diet on digestive enzymes of Labeo rohita (Ham.)

Six sets of feeding experiments were carried out using formulated diets containing prawn head waste (PW), chicken intestine waste (CW), banana flower (BF), cauliflower waste (CAU) Dolicos lab lab (DLL) and groundnut leaf (GNL) in four levels of inclusion (15, 30, 45 and 60%) to assess the pattern of distribution and activities of digestive enzymes like cellulase, amylase, maltase, invertase, protease and lipase in the digestive tracts of Labeo rohita fingerlings. A control group of fish was fed with diets containing antibiotics to destroy the digestive tract microflora which may induce digestive functions. In general, the activity of digestive enzymes depended on the amount and type of the ingredients present in the diets ingested by the fish. Test animals showed both endogenous and bacterial cellulase activities which suggests the necessity for including cellulose (plant protein source) as dietary ingredient. Occurrence of higher amount of cellulase in the foregut and amylase in the fore and midgut influenced by DNL and GNL diets revealed the possibility of including less than 40% of the respective ingredients in the diet of rohu. Maltase and invertase were highly influenced by GNL, DLL and BF diets than PW and CW diets. More than 40% inclusion of PW and CW was found to increase protease and lipase secretion in the midgut and hindgut regions. The higher secretion of lipase in the midgut suggested the physiological versatility for lipid digestion in rohu fingerlings.     

Food composition and digestive enzymes in the gut of pond-cultured Clarias isheriensis (Sydenham 1980), (Siluriformes: Clariidae)

Food composition, diestive enzyme distribution and activity in the gut of pond-cultured Clarias isheriensis were studied It had an omnivorous diet but fed mainly on plancon (particularly Cyanophyceae) and detritus. Qualitative determinations of digestive enzymes in the gut showed that it is capable of digesting carbohydrates, proteins and lipids in its diet. Carbohydrases (amylase, cellulase, maltase, salicinase, sucrase and trehalase) were detected and their activities restricted to the stomach, duodenum and ileum. The incidence of cellulase activity could be responsible for the capacity of this fish species to digest large quantities of Cyanophyceae present in the pond. Lower activity of proteases (chymotrypsin, pepsin and trypsin) and lipases were recorded. Enzyme activity was not recorded in either oesophagus or rectum. The relative distribution and activity of the various digestive enzymes were possibly induced by the nutritional requirements of this catfish species.     

Compensatory proteolytic responses to dietary proteinase inhibitors from Albizia lebbeck seeds in the Helicoverpa armigera larvae

Plant proteinase inhibitors (PIs) have been shown to reduce the growth rates in larvae of numerous insect species. On the other hand, insects can also regulate their proteinases against plant PIs. In the present study, we report the compensatory activities of Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) gut proteinases against the PIs of Albizia lebbeck seeds. Total of ten proteinase inhibitor bands were detected in the seed extract of A. lebbeck. Bioassays were conducted by feeding H. armigera larvae on diet containing partially purified PIs from A. lebbeck seeds. Results show that larval growth and survival was significantly reduced by A. lebbeck PIs. We found that higher activity H. armigera gut proteinase (HGP) isoforms observed in the midgut of control larvae were inhibited in the midgut of larvae fed on test diet. Some HGP isoforms were induced in the larvae fed on PI containing test diet; however, these isoforms showed lower activity in the larvae fed on control diet. Aminopeptidase activities were significantly increased in the midgut of larvae fed on test diet. A population of susceptible and resistant enzymes was observed in the midgut of H. armigera, when fed on diet containing PIs from A. lebbeck seeds. Our initial observations indicate that H. armigera can regulate its digestive proteinase activity against non-host plant PIs, too. It is important to study the exact biochemical and molecular mechanisms underlying this phenomenon in order to develop PI-based insect control strategies.     

Effect of DIMBOA on growth and digestive physiology of Sesamia nonagrioides (Lepidoptera: noctuidae) larvae

The hydroxamic acid 2,4-dihydroxy-7-methoxy-1,4-benzoxazin-3-one (DIMBOA) was assessed for its effect on growth and digestive physiology of larvae of the stalk corn borer Sesamia nonagrioides Lef. Nutritional indices and activities of some digestive and detoxification enzymes were determined for larvae feeding on a DIMBOA-containing diet for the first two days of the third instar (short-term feeding assays), and from neonates to third instar (long-term feeding assays). DIMBOA reduced the relative growth rate and the efficiency of conversion of ingested food without affecting the relative consumption rate in long-term feeding assays, but it had no effect in short-term assays. Moreover, elastase-like activity was significantly increased by DIMBOA in short-term feeding assays, whereas microsomal oxidase activity was increased and esterase activity was reduced in long-term feeding assays. In vitro, DIMBOA inhibited the activities of carboxypeptidases, aminopeptidase, glutathione S-transferase and esterase, but it had no effect on trypsin, chymotrypsin and elastase. The implications of the altered levels of proteases and detoxification enzyme activities on the digestive physiology of larvae feeding on DIMBOA-containing diets are discussed.     

Molecular cloning of cDNAs encoding a range of digestive enzymes from a phytophagous beetle, Phaedon cochleariae

To gain better knowledge of the variety of digestive enzymes in phytophagous coleopteran pests, a sequencing screen of 76 random cDNAs from a gut library from Phaedon cochleariae larvae was performed. The screen yielded 21 cDNAs encoding amino-acid sequences homologous to known digestive enzymes, most of them were cell wall-hydrolysing enzymes. The deduced protein sequences of 7 cDNAs encoding putative -amylase, cysteine proteinase, trypsin, chymotrypsin, cellulase, pectinase and xylanase display all the structural features that characterize these enzymes in other eukaryotic organisms. Except the -amylase and chymotrypsin cDNAs, the other cDNAs probably derive from multigene families. The distribution of the corresponding enzymatic activities at various developmental stages of P. cochleariae was examined. -amylase activity is present in guts of larvae and adults, proteinases are abundant in guts of larvae and adults, but scarce in eggs and larval carcasses, xylanases are present in the guts of larvae and adults, as well as in carcasses of larvae, whereas cellulase and pectinase activities are distributed in larval and adult guts, larval carcasses, and eggs. Only a minor fraction of the cellulases is secreted by microorganisms, suggesting that P. cochleariae synthesizes most of its own cell-wall hydrolysing enzymes. The physiological role of the enzymes is discussed, as well as the significance of these results for pest management strategies involving transgenic plants expressing enzyme inhibitors.