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Updated: Apr 27, 2026
Insulin Injection and Hemolymph Extraction to Measure Insulin Sensitivity in Adult Drosophila melanogaster
Published on: June 30, 2011
Molybdate partly mimics insulin-promoted metabolic effects in Drosophila melanogaster
Bohdana M Rovenko1, Natalia V Perkhulyn1, Oleh V Lushchak1
1Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Precarpathian National University named after Vassyl Stefanyk, 57 Shevchenko Str., Ivano-Frankivsk 76025, Ukraine.
Abstract:
Molybdenum-containing salts have been found to attenuate diabetes complications in mammals by affecting processes normally regulated by insulin and thus were believed to mimic insulin activity. In this study, we used a fruit fly model to test sodium molybdate, Na2MoO4, action in relation to insulin-promoted processes and toxicity. We studied how larval food supplementation with sodium molybdate affected levels of body carbohydrates and lipids in two-day old adult Drosophila melanogaster. Molybdate salt, in the concentrations used (0.025, 0.05, 0.5, 5, and 10mM), showed low toxicity to fly larvae and slightly influenced development and the percentage of pupated animals. Additionally, sodium molybdate decreased the level of hemolymph glucose in males by 30%, and increased the level of hemolymph trehalose in flies of both sexes. These changes were accompanied by an increase in whole body trehalose and glycogen of about 30-90%. Although total lipid levels in flies of both sexes were depleted by 25%, an increased amount of triacylglycerides among total lipids was observed. These effects were not related to changes in food intake. Taken together, the present data let us suggest that sodium molybdate may at least partly mimic insulin-related effects in Drosophila.
Insights
Sodium molybdate, a molybdenum salt, may mimic insulin
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Metabolic Regulation
- Model Organisms
Background:
- Molybdenum-containing salts are known to affect insulin-regulated processes in mammals.
- Previous research suggests these salts may mimic insulin activity.
- Understanding these effects in a model organism is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of sodium molybdate on insulin-related processes in Drosophila melanogaster.
- To assess the toxicity and developmental impact of sodium molybdate in fruit flies.
- To analyze changes in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism.
Main Methods:
- Supplementation of larval food with varying concentrations of sodium molybdate (0.025–10mM).
- Analysis of adult fruit fly body carbohydrates and lipids.
- Assessment of larval development and pupation rates.
Main Results:
- Sodium molybdate exhibited low toxicity to larvae with minor effects on development.
- A 30% decrease in male hemolymph glucose and increased hemolymph trehalose in both sexes.
- Significant increases in whole-body trehalose and glycogen (30-90%), and a 25% depletion in total lipids with increased triacylglycerides.
Conclusions:
- Sodium molybdate partially mimics insulin-related effects in Drosophila.
- The salt influences carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in fruit flies.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms.
