Physiological amino acids of the nervous system of the stable fly, Stomoxys calcitrans

Abstract

1. 1. The physiological (free) amino acids of the adult stable fly brain and thoracic ganglion have been measured. Based upon dry weight, the ganglion contains about twice the amino acid as the brain. 2. 2. Together, proline plus alanine were the predominant compounds and represented 25 and 33% of the total free amino acids in brain and ganglion, respectively. Taurine, glutamic acid, aspartate, γ-aminobutyric acid, glutamine, arginine, histidine and serine each contributed more than 1% in both tissues. 3. 3. Urea, a nitrogenous waste product, accounted for about 20% of the compounds measured, indicating the presence of arginase in both tissues. 4. 4. Three non-protein amino acids, α-aminobutyric acid, α-aminoisobutyric acid and β-alanine were present in the ganglion. β-Alanine was also found in the brain.