Metabolism of hydrogen peroxide between diapause and non‐diapause eggs of the silkworm,Bombyx Mori during chilling at 5°C

When diapause and non‐diapause eggs of the same bivoltine strain of Bombyx mori were chilled at 5°C for more than 30 days, the hatchability of diapause eggs increased while that of non‐diapause eggs decreased, respectively. To investigate the relationship between effects of chilling on the hatchability and the metabolism of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), content of H₂O₂ and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), xanthine oxidase (XO), and catalase (CAT) between diapause and non‐diapause eggs were determined during the chilling at 5°C. The significant enhancement of H₂O₂ occurred prior to the quick increase of the hatchability in diapause eggs and coincided with the quick decline of the hatchability in non‐diapause eggs, respectively. Diapause eggs contained significantly higher H₂O₂ and XO activity and lower CAT activity compared to non‐diapause eggs. Our results showed that there were significant differences in the metabolism of H₂O₂ between diapause and non‐diapause eggs during chilling and that significant enhancement of H₂O₂ may be involved in the diapause termination of diapause eggs and the cell damage of non‐diapause eggs. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Molecular mechanism of diapause in insect (I) --Expression of diapause hormone gene and incubation temperature in embryonic stage of Bombyx mori

The embryonic diapause of the silkworm, Bombyx mori, is induced by the diapause hormone (DH) which is secreted from the suboesophageal ganglion of pupae. The diapause nature of bivoltine strains uses environmental stimuli as the initial signal to determine the diapause nature. The experiments showed that DH gene expression is a direct response to the environmental stimulus, such as high incubation temperature. The cDNA from the embryonic stage was cloned and sequence analysis showed the cDNA encoding DH. Expression patterns of the DH gene in embryonic stage are different at incubation temperatures 15℃ and 25℃, suggesting that the incubation temperature as an environmental signal is kept within the body to control the DH gene expression at the pupal stage, so that the embryonic diapause of next generation can be determined.     

Molecular mechanism of diapause in insect (I)

The embryonic diapause of the silkworn,Bombyx mori, is induced by the diapause hormone (DH) which is secreted from the suboesophageal ganglion of pupae. The diapause nature of bivoltine strains uses environmental stimuli as the initial signal to determine the diapause nature. The experiments showed that DH gene expreon is a direct response to the environmend stimulus, such as high incubation temperature. The cDNA from the embryonic stage wa cloned and sequenm analysis showed the cDNA encoding DH. Expmion patterns of the DH gene in embryonic stage are different ar incubation temperatures 15°C and 25°C, suggesting that the incubation tempcreturt as an environmental signal is kept within the body to control the DH gene expmion at the pupal stage, so that the embryonic diapause of next generation can be determined.     

Artificial parthenogenesis and control of voltinism to manage transgenic populations in Bombyx mori

In order to improve the management of transformed populations in a routine application of transgenesis technology in Bombyx mori, we modified its mode of reproduction and its voltinism. On one hand, after a stable integration of the gene of interest by transgenesis, it is preferable to maintain this gene in an identical genomic context through successive generations. This can be obtained by artificial parthenogenetic reproduction (ameiotic parthenogenesis) giving isogenic females identical to their transformed mother. On the other hand, it is essential to obtain continuous generations (polyvoltinism) after microinjection, in order to screen positive transgenic insects and study genetics and insertion of the transgene. Thereafter, it is more convenient to store these populations, as diapause eggs before their use in biotechnology application. We obtained such polyvoltine parthenoclones, first by selection for a parthenogenetic character in polyvoltine races, and second, by selection for a polyvoltine character in a parthenogenetic, but diapausing clone of B. mori. As diapause was directly under the control of diapause hormone (DH), we also tested direct injection of DH in female pupae of polyvoltine strains, as well as anti-DH antibody treatment to eliminate diapause in univoltine strains. We discussed the advantages and limitations of these methods and proved the feasibility in obtaining polyvoltine parthenoclones and determining the voltinism in B. mori. These methods would permit us to improve the management of populations used in transgenesis technology.     

Changes in activities of antioxidant enzymes and their gene expression during leaf development of sweetpotato

To understand the functions of antioxidant enzymes during leaf development in sweetpotato, we investigated the activities of several antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POX), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and catalase (CAT). Significant increases were observed in the activities of SOD, POX and APX during the late stage of leaf development, whereas CAT activity increased during the early developmental stage. By RT-PCR analysis, various POX and APX genes showed differential expression patterns during leaf development. Four POX genes swpa3, swpa4, swpa6, swpb4 and one APX gene swAPX1 exhibited high levels of gene expression during the senescence stage of leaf development, but two POX genes, swpa1 and swpa7 were preferentially expressed at both the mature green and the late senescence stages of leaf development. These results indicate that hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-related antioxidant enzymes are differentially regulated in the process of leaf development of sweetpotato.     

Accumulation, subcellular localization and ecophysiological responses to copper stress in two Daucus carota L. populations

Copper accumulation, subcellular localization and ecophysiological responses to excess copper were investigated using pot culture experiments with two Daucus carota L. populations, from a copper mine and an uncontaminated field site, respectively. Significant differences of malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) concentrations and antioxidant enzyme [superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX)] activities of leaves under Cu treatment were observed between the two populations. At high Cu concentrations (400 and 800 mg kg⁻¹), a significant increase in contents of MDA and H₂O₂ but a significant decrease in activities of SOD, CAT and APX were observed in uncontaminated population. Contrarily, the population from copper mine maintained a lower level of MDA and H₂O₂ but higher activities of SOD, CAT and APX. Copper accumulation in roots and shoots increased significantly with the increase of copper concentrations in soils in the two populations. No significant difference of the total Cu in roots and shoots was found between the two populations at same copper treatment. There were also no striking differences of cell wall-bound Cu and protoplasts Cu of leaves between the two populations. The difference was that Cu concentration in vacuoles of leaves was 1.5-fold higher in contaminated site (CS) population than in uncontaminated site population. Hence, more efficient vacuolar sequestration for Cu and maintaining high activities of SOD, CAT and APX in the CS population played an important role in maintaining high Cu tolerance.     

Disappearance of chorion proteins from Bombyx mori eggs treated with HCl solution to prevent diapause

Bombyx mori eggs enter diapause immediately after completion of mesoderm segregation. HCl treatment of approximately 24-hour-old eggs (germband formation stage) is well known to be the most effective procedure to prevent entry into diapause, although the molecular mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we examined the protein composition of diapausing and nondiapausing eggs after various HCl treatments known to prevent or break diapause and found that proteins of approximately 11 and 8 kDa disappeared immediately after HCl treatment. Partial amino acid sequences of these proteins indicated that they were members of the chorion class A protein L12 family synthesized in follicle cells. Under the hypothesis that the chorion provides a barrier to oxygen, dechorionation of diapausing eggs induces resumption of embryonic development. Hence, to test this and other hypotheses about the function of these proteins, we used 20% SDS-PAGE with Coomassie Brilliant Blue staining to trace their disappearance from embryos and eggshells after treatment with HCl under different conditions and on polyvoltine, univoltine, and bivoltine silkworm races. Even when 10-day-old diapausing eggs were treated with HCl, which did not break diapause, the 11 and 8 kDa proteins disappeared. Our results suggest that disappearance of these proteins is not directly associated with preventing entry into or breaking a diapause state. Nevertheless, our results cannot completely rule out the possibility that the 11 and 8 kDa proteins function to block permeability of O₂ during the period when HCl treatment is physiologically effective to prevent diapause so that after the diapause system is established within the egg, even removing the 11 and 8 kDa proteins may not affect to prevent diapause. We also discuss the role of these proteins in choriogenesis.     

Dehydroascorbate reductase and glutathione reductase play an important role in scavenging hydrogen peroxide during natural and artificial dehydration of Jatropha curcas seeds

Changes in H₂O₂ and the main antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR) and glutathione reductase (GR), in endospermic and embryonic tissues were studied in developing and artificially dried Jatropha curcas seeds. Immature seeds were desiccation-tolerant at 80 days after flowering, as they were able to germinate fully after artificial drying on silica gel had reduced their water content to 10–12% of fresh weight. In both endospermic and embryonic tissues, H₂O₂ level and, consequently, lipid peroxide content, decreased during seed development as well as after artificial dehydration of developing seeds. All examined antioxidant enzymes except DHAR showed a decrease in total activity in mature stages as compared with early stages. Expression analysis of SOD genes revealed that the decrease in total SOD activities was related to the decrease in Cu/Zn-SOD expression, while the continuous activity of SOD during maturation was related to an increase in Mn-SOD expression. Artificial drying resulted in increased SOD and DHAR activity, irrespective of the developmental stage. Our results revealed weak participation of CAT and APX in H₂O₂ scavenging, as well as no significant alterations in GR activities either during maturation or after artificial drying. Changes in SOD and GR isoenzyme patterns occurred during maturation-related drying, but not after artificial drying. These results highlight the role of ascorbate-glutathione cycle enzymes (DHAR and GR) in H₂O₂ scavenging during maturation or after artificial drying of developing J. curcas seeds.     

Antioxidative defense system in pigeonpea roots under waterlogging stress

Pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] is a waterlogging-sensitive legume crop. We studied the effect of waterlogging stress on hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) content, lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzyme activities in two pigeonpea genotypes viz., ICPL-84023 (waterlogging resistant) and MAL-18 (waterlogging susceptible). In a pot experiment, waterlogging stress was imposed for 6 days at early vegetative stage (20 days after sowing). Waterlogging treatment significantly increased hydrogen peroxide accumulation and lipid peroxidation, which indicated the extent of oxidative injury posed by stress conditions. Enzyme activities of peroxidase (POX), catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) increased in pigeonpea roots as a consequence of waterlogged conditions, and all the enzyme activities were significantly higher in waterlogged ICPL-84023 than in MAL-18. POX activity was the maximum immediately after imposing stress, therefore, it was suggested to be involved in early scavenging of H₂O₂, while rest of the enzymes (CAT, APX, SOD and PPO) were more important in late responses to waterlogging. Present study revealed that H₂O₂ content is directly related to lipid peroxidation leading to oxidative damage during waterlogging in pigeonpea. Higher antioxidant potential in ICPL-84023 as evidenced by enhanced POX, CAT, APX, SOD and PPO activities increased capacity for reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging and indicated relationship between waterlogging resistance and antioxidant defense system in pigeonpea.     

The diapause hormone-pheromone biosynthesis activating neuropeptide gene of Helicoverpa armigera encodes multiple peptides that break, rather than induce, diapause

FXPRLamide peptides encoded by the DH-PBAN (diapause hormone-pheromone biosynthesis activating neuropeptide) gene induce embryonic diapause in Bombyx mori, but terminate pupal diapause in Helicoverpa armigera (Har). Here, we explore the mechanisms of terminating pupal diapause by the FXPRLamide peptides. Using quantitative RT-PCR, we observed that expression of Har-DH-PBAN mRNA in the SG of nondiapause-type pupae was significantly higher than in diapause-type pupae. Immunocytochemical results indicated that the level of FXPRLamide peptides and axonal release are related to the diapause decision. Ecdysteroidogenesis in prothoracic glands (PGs) was stimulated by synthetic Har-DH in vivo and in vitro, and labeled Har-DH bound to the membrane of the PG, thus suggesting that DH breaks diapause by activating the PG to synthesize ecdysone. Furthermore, the response of DH in terminating diapause was temperature dependent. Decerebration experiments showed that the brain can control pupal development through the regulation of DH, and DH can terminate diapause and promote development without the brain. This result suggests a possible mechanism of response for the signals of DH and other FXPRLamide peptides in H. armigera.     

Effect of hydrogen peroxide on antioxidant enzyme activities in Saccharomyces cerevisiae is strain-specific

The effect of hydrogen peroxide on the survival and activity of antioxidant and associated enzymes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been studied. A difference found in the response of wild-type yeast strains treated with hydrogen peroxide was probably related to the different protective effects of antioxidant enzymes in these strains. Exposure of wild-type YPH250 cells to 0.25 mM H₂O₂ for 30 min increased activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD) by 3.4-and 2-fold, respectively. However, no activation of catalase in the EG103 strain, as well as of SOD in the YPH98 and EG103 wild strains was detected, which was in parallel to lower survival of these strains under oxidative stress. There is a strong positive correlation (R ² = 0.95) between activities of catalase and SOD in YPH250 cells treated with different concentrations of hydrogen peroxide. It is conceivable that catalase would protect SOD against inactivation caused by oxidative stress and vice versa. Finally, yeast cell treatment with hydrogen peroxide can lead to either a H₂O₂-induced increase in activities of antioxidant and associated enzymes or their decrease depending on the H₂O₂ concentration used or the yeast strain specificity. Published in Russion in Biokhimiya, 2006, Vol. 71, No. 9, pp. 1243–1252.     

Metalliferous and non-metalliferous populations of Viola tricolor represent similar mode of antioxidative response

Heavy metal-contaminated sites are excellent areas to examine the antioxidative machinery responsible for physiological adaptations of many plant species.Superoxide dismutase (SOD), guaiacol peroxide (GPX), ascorbate peroxide (APX), catalase (CAT) activity and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) content were analyzed in leaves and roots of Viola tricolor (Viola) from contaminated soils (‘Bukowno’, ‘Saturn’, ‘Warpie’ heaps), and non-contaminated soil (‘Zakopane meadow’) to examine the level of oxidative stress and antioxidative response.In leaves, six isoforms of SOD were recognized. Roots possessed two additional bands, named manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD)-like form (MnSODI) and Cu/ZnSOD-like form (Cu/ZnSODIV). The H₂O₂ content in leaves ranged from 554 to 5 098 μmol H₂O₂/g f.w. and was negatively correlated with CAT activity. The non-contaminated population was characterized by the lowest CAT activity combined with the highest H₂O₂ concentration. Two isoforms of CAT, CAT-1 and CAT-2, were recognized in leaves of plants from non-contaminated and contaminated sites, respectively. In roots of individuals from two heaps (‘Warpie’ and ‘Saturn’), two distinct bands for each CAT isoform were observed. A slower migrating band may be an aggregate, exhibiting CAT and MnSODs activities. Both peroxidases (APX and GPX) presented the same pattern of activity, depending on the organ, indicating that in leaves and roots APX and GPX were regulated in parallel.Differences in enzyme activities and H₂O₂ content between plants from different contaminated sites were statistically significant, but were tightly maintained at a very similar level. Prolonged and permanent heavy metal stress evoked a very similar mode of antioxidative response in specimens of analyzed metalliferous populations not causing measurable oxidative stress. Thus, our results clearly indicate that V. tricolor is a taxon well adapted to heavy metal-contaminated soils, and that differences in enzyme activities and H₂O₂ content result from adjustment of plants to a variety of conditions.     

Antioxidant defence system during exponential and stationary growth phases of Phycomyces blakesleeanus: Response to oxidative stress by hydrogen peroxide

An analysis of the components of the antioxidant defence system in exponential and stationary growth phases of filamentous fungus Phycomyces blakesleeanus and the response to the oxidative stress hydrogen peroxide were performed. There is a strong positive correlation between mycelial antioxidant capacity and the contents of gallic acid, d-erythroascorbate (d-EAA) or d-erythroascorbate monoglucoside (d-EAAG). These secondary metabolites are specifically synthesized by this fungus and reach maximal values in the stationary growth phase, suggesting that they can play some role in the antioxidant defence system of this fungus. There is a differential expression of the two more notable antioxidant activities, catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), depending of the growth stage of P. blakesleeanus, CAT being expressed in the exponential and SOD in the stationary phase. Phycomyces blakesleeanus showed a high resistance to the oxidative stress caused by H₂O₂ (50 and 200 mM) which was higher in exponential phase. This higher resistance can be explained by the presence of CAT, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and the probable contribution of glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and high levels of reduced form of glutathione (GSH). The transition to stationary phase was accompanied with a higher physiological oxidative damage illustrated by the higher protein carbonylation. In this growth stage the resistance of the fungus to the oxidative stress caused by H₂O₂ could be explained by the presence of SOD, GPx, and the probable contribution of GST as well as of secondary metabolites, mainly d-EAA and d-EAAG. These results highlight a specific response to oxidative stress by H₂O₂ depending on the growth phase of P. blakesleeanus.     

Functional analysis of the SGNP I in the pupal diapause of the oriental tobacco budworm, Helicoverpa assulta (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Helicoverpa assulta suboesophageal ganglion neuropeptide I (Has-SGNP I) is a 24-amino acids peptide amide, which shows 62.5% similarity with the diapause hormone of Bombyx mori (Bom-DH). It has been demonstrated that embryonic diapause is induced by DH in B. mori. Injection of synthetic amidated Has-SGNP I terminated pupal diapause in a dose-dependent manner. Therefore, Has-SGNP I might be referred to a "diapause termination hormone" in H. assulta (Has-DTH). The maximal dose of Has-DTH for diapause termination was 1.0 microg and the half-maximal dose 0.4 microg. The time required for diapause termination of Has-DTH was 2-3 days longer than that of 20-hydroxyecdysone. During the pupal stage, DTH mRNA content in the SGs of nondiapausing pupae was always higher than in diapausing pupae using the combined method of quantitative RT-PCR and Southern blot. DTH gene also expressed at a low level while diapausing pupae were chilled at 4 degrees C, but increased rapidly and largely after being transferred to 25 degrees C. Using a competitive ELISA, Has-DTH-like immunoreactivity in the haemolymph showed the same pattern as that of Has-DTH gene expression. Those results indicated that Has-DTH gene expression was related to diapause development and could be activated by low temperature. Has-DTH might be useful to elucidate the mechanism of diapause termination in pupal diapause species.     

Abscisic acid improves drought tolerance of triploid bermudagrass and involves H2O2- and NO-induced antioxidant enzyme activities

Drought is a major limiting factor for turfgrass growth. Protection of triploid bermudagrass against drought stress by abscisic acid (ABA) and its association with hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and nitric oxide (NO) were investigated. ABA treatment increased relative water content, decreased ion leakage and the percentage of dead plants significantly under drought stress. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities increased in both ABA-treated and control plants, but more in ABA-treated plants, under drought stress. Malondialdehyde, an indicator of plant lipid peroxidation, was lower in ABA-treated plants than in control plants, indicating that ABA alleviated drought-induced oxidative injury. ABA treatment increased H₂O₂ and NO contents. ABA-induced SOD and CAT activities could be blocked by scavengers of H₂O₂ and NO, and inhibitors of H₂O₂ and NO generation. The results indicated that H₂O₂ and NO were essential for ABA-induced SOD and CAT activities. Both H₂O₂ and NO could induce SOD and CAT activities individually. SOD and CAT induced by H₂O₂ could be blocked by scavenger of NO and inhibitors of NO generation, while SOD and CAT induced by NO could not be blocked by scavenger of H₂O₂ and inhibitor of H₂O₂. The results revealed that ABA-induced SOD and CAT activities were mediated sequentially by H₂O₂ and NO, and NO acted downstream of H₂O₂.     

Nitric oxide retards xanthine oxidase-mediated superoxide anion generation in Phalaenopsis flower: an implication of NO in the senescence and oxidative stress regulation

Senescence is a developmentally regulated and highly ordered sequence of events. Senescence leads to abscission of plant organs and eventually leads to death of a plant or part of it. Present study revealed that Phalaenopsis flower undergo senescence due to over activation of O₂ ^·−generating xanthine oxidase (XO), which consequently increases the concentrations of O₂ ^·− leading to enhanced oxidative damage and disturbed cellular redox environment as indicated by increased lipid peroxidation and DHA/AsA + DHA ratio, respectively. While activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and non-specific peroxidase (POD) were enhanced in sepals and petals of old flower, activities of catalase (CAT) and glutathione reductase (GR) were decreased. Exogenous application of nitric oxide (NO) retarded H₂O₂-induced senescence of Phalaenopsis flower by downregulating activity of XO and concentrations of O₂ ^·−, H₂O₂ and malondialdehyde (MDA, an index of lipid peroxidation). Exogenous application of NO also downregulated SOD activity and upregulated antioxidant enzymes involved in the detoxification of H₂O₂ (CAT and APX), and in the regulation of redox couples viz, monodehydroascorbate reductase (MDHAR) and GR, together with the modulation in non-protein thiol status and DHA/AsA + DHA ratio.     

Reduced glucose‐induced insulin secretion in low‐protein‐fed rats is associated with altered pancreatic islets redox status

In the present study, we investigated the relationship between early life protein malnutrition‐induced redox imbalance, and reduced glucose‐stimulated insulin secretion. After weaning, male Wistar rats were submitted to a normal‐protein‐diet (17%‐protein, NP) or to a low‐protein‐diet (6%‐protein, LP) for 60 days. Pancreatic islets were isolated and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), oxidized (GSSG) and reduced (GSH) glutathione content, CuZn‐superoxide dismutase (SOD1), glutathione peroxidase (GPx1) and catalase (CAT) gene expression, as well as enzymatic antioxidant activities were quantified. Islets that were pre‐incubated with H₂O₂ and/or N‐acetylcysteine, were subsequently incubated with glucose for insulin secretion measurement. Protein malnutrition increased CAT mRNA content by 100%. LP group SOD1 and CAT activities were 50% increased and reduced, respectively. H₂O₂ production was more than 50% increased whereas GSH/GSSG ratio was near 60% lower in LP group. Insulin secretion was, in most conditions, approximately 50% lower in LP rat islets. When islets were pre‐incubated with H₂O₂ (100 μM), and incubated with glucose (33 mM), LP rats showed significant decrease of insulin secretion. This effect was attenuated when LP islets were exposed to N‐acetylcysteine.     

Oligochitosan induced Brassica napus L. production of NO and H2O2 and their physiological function

NO (nitric oxide) and H₂O₂ (hydrogen peroxide) are important signaling molecule in plants. Brassica napus L. was used to understand oligochitosan inducing production of NO (nitric oxide) and H₂O₂ (hydrogen peroxide) and their physiological function. The result showed that the production of NO and H₂O₂ in epidermal cells of B. napus L. was induced with oligochitosan by fluorescence microscope. And it was proved that there was an interaction between NO and H₂O₂ with L-NAME (N^G-nitro-l-arg-methyl eater), which is an inhibitor of NOS (NO synthase) in mammalian cells that also inhibits plant NO synthesis, and CAT (catalase), which is an important H₂O₂ scavenger, respectively. It was found that NO and H₂O₂ induced by oligochitosan took part in inducing reduction in stomatal aperture and LEA protein gene expression of leaves of B. napus L. All these results showed that oligochitosan have potential activities of improving resistance to water stress.     

Effect of salicylic acid potentiates cadmium-induced oxidative damage in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Oryza sativa</Emphasis> L. leaves

In the present investigation, we studied the possible potentiating effect of salicylic acid (SA) under Cd toxicity in Oryza sativa L. leaves. Cd treatments for 24 h reduced the shoot length, dry biomass and total chlorophyll content followed by high Cd accumulation in shoots. About 16 h presoaking with SA resulted in partial protection against Cd, as observed by minor changes in length, biomass and total chlorophyll. SA priming resulted in low Cd accumulation. Enhanced thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and superoxide anion (O₂ ⁻) content were seen when Cd was applied alone, while under SA priming the extent of TBARS, H₂O₂ and O₂ ⁻ were significantly low, suggesting SA-regulated protection against oxidative stress. The antioxidant enzymes like Catalase (CAT), guaiacol peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) showed varied activities under Cd alone. CAT activity increased after Cd treatment, followed by a decline in GPX and GR activity. SOD also declined at the highest concentrations with an initial increase. Under SA-priming conditions, the efficiency of the antioxidant enzymes was significantly elevated. GPx and SOD activity showed significant increase in activity. The ascorbate activity increased after Cd treatment, followed by a decline in glutathione under SA-free condition. SA priming showed gradual increase in these non-enzymic antioxidants. Our results indicate that Cd-induced oxidative stress can be regulated by SA.     

家蚕滞育激素－性信息素合成激活肽基因的表达

家蚕滞育激素－性信息素合成激活肽基因的表达徐卫华（中国农业科学院蚕业研究所,江苏镇江,２１２０００）山下兴亚（名古屋大学农学院,日本名古屋,４６４－０１）关键词滞育激素－性信息素合成激活肽基因;发育阶段;表达;家蚕昆虫是地球上最繁盛的物种,占地球上生...