SUPPRESSION OF FOOD-INTAKE IN TRIATOMA-INFESTANS BY N-SUBSTITUTED METHYL MALEAMATES

A series of methyl esters of N-substituted (Z)- and (E)-maleamic acids were synthesized and their effect on food intake measured on fifth-in star nymphs of Triatoma infestans. Suppression of food intake was foun d only for the (Z)isomers. The initial reaction rate of the synthesize d compounds with glutathione (GSH) was calculated from the reaction in vitro of the (Z)-isomers. No reaction was observed with the (E)-isome rs. Good correlation between the suppression of food intake, measured by its ED,, (effective dose that inhibited feeding of 50% of the popul ation) and the initial reaction rate with GSH and the hydrophobic para meter pi, was found.