Characterization of proteolytic enzymes of the midgut and excreta of the biting fly Stomoxys calcitrans

Abstract

AbstractProteolytic enzymes were characterized in the midgut and the excreta of the stable fly Stomoxys calcitrans (L) with proteins, synthetic substrates, and inhibitors. Inhibition studies suggested trypsinlike activity in sugar‐fed fly midguts, whereas excreta and blood‐fed fly guts exhibited other proteases.Trypsinlike activity in midguts removed 20 and 30 h after a blood meal increased from 20% to 50% of the total proteolytic enzymes present. Trypsinlike activity was inhibited with human sera, trypsin‐specific inhibitors, and a protein isolated from the stable fly thorax. When human albumin and globulin fractions were incubated with trypsinlike enzymes isolated from the midgut and excreta, the albumin fraction was less inhibitory than the globulin fractions and was readily hydrolyzed by the proteolytic enzymes. These results may indicate that the proteolytic enzymes produce an abortive complex with the globulin fractions of the sera. Such a complex may explain the temporary inhibition of proteolysis by the blood meal.Soybean trypsin inhibitor fed to stable flies caused 50% inhibition in proteolytic activity in the midguts of sugar‐fed stable flies and 25% inhibition in the midguts of blood‐fed stable flies. Complete inhibition of proteolytic enzyme activity was achieved only in vitro.pH profiles of proteolytic enzyme activity isolated from the excreta of blood‐fed stable flies indicated that several proteolytic enzymes were excreted.