A Putative Relationship between Hyperglycemic Hormone Degradation and Stress-Induced Protease Activity in the Hemolymph of the American Cockroach

Abstract

Hyperglycemic hormone is released into the hemolymph of cockroaches (Periplaneta americana) that have been stressed by immobilization, starvation, or treatment with lindane. The release of hyperglycemic hormone is accompanied by a strong increase in the proteolytic activity of the hemolymph. This appears to be responsible for the rapid destruction of the hyperglycemic hormone both in vitro and in vivo. The release of protease into the hemolymph of the lindane-poisoned cockroaches is preceded by a lag period. The data show that the proteolytic agent responsible for the destruction of the hyperglycemic hormone is also present in the hemolymph of normal insects but at very low levels.