Cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases of Hyalophora cecropia silkmoth fat body

Two soluble forms of 3':5'-cyclic-nucleotide phosphodiesterase (o':5'-cyclic-nucleotide 5'-nucleotidohydrolase, EC 3.1.4.17) were found in the larval fat body of the silkmoth Hyalophora cecropia. These differ in elution profile on Sephadex G-200, solubility in ammonium sulfate, metal ion requirements and kinetic properties. Phosphodiesterase I has Km values of 11 muM and 1.8 muM for cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP, respectively, has 5-fold greater maximal activity with cyclic AMP than with cyclic GMP, and is activated by Mg2+ and Co2+, and inhibited by EDTA. phosphodiesterase II has Km values of 625 muM and 125 muM for cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP, respectively, has similar maximal activity with both substrates, and is not activated by divalent metal ions or inhibited by EDTA. Cyclic nucleotides and methylxanthines competitively inhibit both enzymes. Phosphodiesterase is found in both soluble and particulate fractions of homogenates. Total activity is highest during the larval stage of the insect, drops markedly following pupation, and rises again during pharate adult development.