INDUCTION OF GLUTATHIONE-S-TRANSFERASE ACTIVITY IN TRIATOMA-INFESTANS

Several synthetic pesticides and allelochemicals used to treat Triatom a infestans adults by topic application showed some degree of cytosoli c glutathione S-transferase (GST) induction. General inducers of detox ication systems such as phenobarbital and 3-methylcholantrene topicall y applied on T. infestans resulted in no GST induction. Meanwhile, gen eral insecticide synergist such as piperonyl butoxide (160 mu g/insect ) increased the GST-activity in the range of 120-140%. Insects injecte d with reduced glutathione (300 mg/insect) presented at the forth day elevated GST activity.