[Changes of the life span and certain biochemical indexes on Drosophila melanogaster by ethanol exposure]

To explore the effect of ethanol on the life span and the activities of SOD and GSH-Px as well as the contents of MBA in Drosophila melanogaster.

Newly trapped and not mated 7200 flies were collected within 8 hours and separated by sex. 2400 flies were selected and randomly divided into six groups (0, 9, 27, 90, 270 and 8l0 mmol/L). Each group contained 400 flies, 200 male flies and 200 female flies. The numbers of dead flies were counted everyday and the culture mediums were replaced every 4 days until all flies died. Another 4800 flies were randomly divided into 4 groups (0, 27, 90 and 270 mmol/L). Each group contained 1200 flies, half male and half female. The activities of SOD and GSH-Px as well as the contents of MBA were detected at the days of 0th, 10th, 20th and 30th after ethanol exposure. Results The life span of Drosophila exposed to high dose ethanol reduced obviously. Activities of SOD and GSH-Px and contents of MDA of Drosophila exposed to ethanol reduced and enhanced with increasing of ethanol doses. And at the same doses (90 mmol/L and 270 mmol/L), activities of SOD and GSH-Px reduced, while contents of MDA elevated with increasing of exposure time. Exposed to high dose of ethanol at the days of 20 or 30, activities of SOD and GSH-Px and contents of MDA in Drosophila reduced and enhanced significantly in comparison with control group.

Ethanol could reduce the life span and the activities of SOD and GSH-Px, and enhance MBA content of Drosophila.