Carbohydrate metabolism in the stick insect, Carausius morosus

Abstract

Age-related changes in some parameters related to carbohydrate metabolism in the stick insect, Carausius morosus, were investigated during the 6th instar and up to day 37 of adult life. Total haemolymph carbohydrate concentration and the fat body glycogen content are low and may be related to the low activity of this insect. Trehalose constitutes about 75–80% of the total blood carbohydrate pool. During the moult, total blood carbohydrate, fat body glycogen and haemolymph volume, decrease while glycogen phosphorylase activity of the fat body is slightly activated. The effects are brought about mainly by reduced feeding activity, but may also be influenced by the shedding and replacement of the cuticle. During starvation, blood homeostasis is maintained at the expense of fat body glycogen via an activation of phosphorylase. During reproduction, although no dramatic changes in fat body glycogen levels occur, blood carbohydrates are maintained and fat body phosphorylase is slightly activated. The possibility is discussed that during moulting and reproduction, blood sugar homeostasis is maintained by a hormonal mechanism controlling glycogen phosphorylase. No circadian rhythm in any parameter investigated is observed.