CHARACTERIZATION OF OXIDASE(S) ASSOCIATED WITH THE SEX-PHEROMONE GLAND IN MANDUCA-SEXTA (L) FEMALES

An oxidase that converts primary aliphatic alcohols into aldehydes was discovered in the cuticle of the sex pheromone gland and in the papil lae anales on the tip of the abdomen of Manduca sexta females. Oxidase activity was not found in the epidermal cells of the pheromone gland where fatty acid precursors of the pheromonal aldehydes are found. Thi s oxidase requires oxygen and water to function and appears to have a rather broad substrate specificity. The activity of the oxidase is red uced by the application of piperonyl butoxide, which also interferes w ith the PBAN induced production of the natural pheromone aldehydes. Ho wever, endogenous alcohols cannot be found in the pheromone gland. Thu s, it is not yet clear whether or not the oxidase is involved in the t erminal step of biosynthesis of the pheromone aldehydes in M. serta fe males. (C) 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.