Metabolism of the juvenile hormone in Drosophila adults under normal conditions and heat stress: Genetical and biochemical aspects

Abstract

By means of ion exchange chromatography two forms of JH-esterase were identified in D. virilis. One was sensitive to diisopropylphosphofluridate (DFP) and one was DFP-insensitive. It was found that both forms are inhibited by 3-octylthio-1,1-1-trifluoropropan-2-one. By means of immunoblotting analysis with the use of antiserum produced against pupal DFP-insensitive JH-esterase, it was shown that this form is present in adults and that it lacks the capacity to hydrolyze naphthyl acetate at a significant rate. The metabolism of the juvenile hormone (JH) was studied in adults of two Drosophila species ( D. virilis and D. melanogaster) under normal thermal conditions and short-term heat stress. It was demonstrated that females of both species respond to stress by a decrease in the activity of JH-esterase. This decrease is effected through a decrease in protein. JH metabolism in males of both species does not change under heat stress. A genetic analysis of the differences in the activity of DFP-insensitive JH-esterase between lines of D. virilis sensitive and resistant to stress was carried out. It was demonstrated that the given differences are under the control of a single autosomal gene.