Haemolymph proteins and water uptake in female Leucophaea maderae during the sexual cycle

Abstract

The changes in the haemolymph protein concentration and in the haemolymph volume were determined in females during the second sexual cycle. It was found that haemolymph proteins are certainly synthesized at the beginning of the oöcyte maturation period and probably throughout this period and after ovulation. During vitellogenesis the protein level drops significantly due to the incorporation of some haemolymph proteins into the oöcytes. From records of the daily water consumption of females, it was obvious that most water is consumed shortly after parturition. Experimentally it could be demonstrated that the haemolymph volume and the haemolymph protein concentration are influenced by the water uptake of the females. During a short period of pregnancy water is deposited in the egg case in large amounts. Haemolymph volume and protein concentration are not changed by this water transfer. All or most of the water which passes into the developing eggs seems to be withdrawn from the fat body which at that time may produce more water by its metabolism but which also actually loses water.