A PUTATIVE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HYPERGLYCEMIC HORMONE DEGRADATION ANDSTRESS-INDUCED PROTEASE ACTIVITY IN THE HEMOLYMPH OF THE AMERICAN COCKROACH

Hyperglycemic hormone is released into the hemolymph of cockroaches (P eriplaneta americana) that have been stressed by immobilization, starv ation, or treatment with lindane. The release of hyperglycemic hormone is accompanied by a strong increase in the proteolytic activity of th e hemolymph. This appears to be responsible for the rapid destruction of the hyperglycemic hormone both in vitro and in vivo. The release of protease into the hemolymph of the lindane-poisoned cockroaches is pr eceded by a lag period. The data show that the proteolytic agent respo nsible for the destruction of the hyperglycemic hormone is also presen t in the hemolymph of normal insectsbut at very low levels. (C) 1994 A cademic Press, Inc.