Partial characterization of proteinase activity in the larval midgut of the European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis Hübner (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

Abstract

Protease activity in the alimentary tract of the European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis, can be attributed to at least three endoproteinases. A high alkaline trypsin with maximal hydrolysis of benzoyl arginine p-nitroanilide at pH values higher than 10.0, a low alkaline trypsin with maximal activity against benzoyl arginine ethyl ester at pH 9.0, and chymotrypsin, which hydrolyzed benzoyl tryosine ethyl ester at pH 7.5–8.0, were detected in gut homogenates. Total proteolysis, measured using azocasein, had maximal activity at pH 10.0 or higher. Corn borer chymotryptic activity had characteristics similar to the vertebrate enzyme. Both tryptic activities differed from vertebrate trypsin by being insensitive to ovomucoid trypsin inhibitor. High and low alkaline trypsin differed from each other by their pH optima. High alkaline trypsin was activated by magnesium and calcium, and low alkaline trypsin was not affected by inclusion of either chemical in the assay mixture.