DETOXIFICATION OF 3-NITROPROPIONIC ACID AND KARAKIN BY MELANOPLINE GRASSHOPPERS

Two species of melanopline grasshoppers (Melanoplus bivittatus and M. sanguinipes) tolerated high levels of 3-nitropriopionic acid (NPA) in their diet (LD30 = 3 mu g g(-1)). The NPA was absorbed, conjugated to glycine, L-serine or L-glutamate and excreted in the frass as amides. Karakin was also consumed without ill effects. Karakin, a glucose trie ster of NPA, was apparently hydrolyzed in vivo, and the NPA was conjug ated to the same amino acids. The conjugates were identified by NMR an d ORD spectroscopy. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved .