Abstract: | The effects of neuroparsins on hemolymph trehalose and lipid levels and on total glycogen content were analyzed in Locusta migratoria. Saline and methanol extracts of the two lobes of the corpora cardiaca were assayed. Neuroparsins (A and B) were demonstrated to be hypertrehalosemic and hyperlipemic proteins of the neural lobe. Both of these metabolic activities of neuroparsins were somewhat less potent than those of adipokinetic hormone (AKH). Neuroparsin activity could be distinguished from AKH by blockage with an antiserum specific to neuroparsin. The hypertrehalosemic response induced by neuroparsins, in contrast to that of AKH, appeared to occur without a decrease of total glycogen content. The differential modes of action of AKH and neuroparsins could contribute to the fine modulation of carbohydrate metabolism in Locusta migratoria. |