CHANGES IN PROTEIN-METABOLISM IN HEMOLYMPH AND FAT-BODY OF THE SILKWORM, BOMBYX-MORI (LEPIDOPTERA, BOMBYCIDAE) IN RESPONSE TO ORGANOPHOSPHORUS INSECTICIDES TOXICITY

Changes in protein metabolism were studied in hemolymph and fat body o f 5th instar silkworm Bombyx mori exposed to lethal and sublethal dose s of fenitrothion and ethion. The total protein content indicated a de pletion followed by a concomitant increase in accumulation of free ami no acids. Concurrently, the activity of protease in both of the tissue s was also increased. A sharp enhancement in the activities of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase paralleled the elevat ion of glutamate dehydrogenase activity in the tissues studied. All th ese changes clearly documented the induction of severe proteolysis and transamination of amino acids. (C) 1997 Academic Press.