Ovarian weight, glycogen and trehalose content in the fat body and flight muscles of Phormia terrae novae females in relationship to age and physical performance

Abstract

1. 1. The amount of glycogen content in the fat body as well as in the flight muscle increases or decreases according to the life span and extent of physical activity. In addition, the maximum concentration of this metabolite differs in the various populations. 2. 2. The highest values of glycogen were found in the protein-supplied females: for the mated flies up to 125 μmole/g wet wt, and for the virgins up to 165 μmole/g wet wt, whereas in protein-deficient flies, maximum values of only 30–40 μmole/g wet wt were measured. 3. 3. The time-dependent profile of trehalose content varies in the different populations in a manner similar to the glycogen concentration. Additionally, there are also differences in the maximum values between the protein-fed and protein-deficient females. 4. 4. The ovarian weight of virgin protein-fed females and of mated females, with and without a protein-containing substrate, was recorded throughout the entire life span. 5. 5. Protein-deficient flies show an ovarian development similar to that of a resting stage and the weight of this organ remained at a constant level until death. 6. 6. In contrast, increase and decrease of ovarian weight in mated and virgin protein-sufficient flies is correlated with the different life spans. 7. 7. In both populations, the maximum weight of ovaries is more than double that found in the protein-deficient control groups.