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.