Distribution of calmodulin in insects as determined by radioimmunoassay

The distribution of calmodulin in 11 separate tissues of the cockroach Leucophaea maderae was determined by radioimmunoassay. The highest levels of this protein were found in Malpighian tubules, visceral muscle and the central nervous system. Distribution of calmodulin was also determined for the following insect species: Apis mellifera, Canthon imitator, Heliothis zea (larvae) and Periplaneta americana. Abdominal tissues contained the highest levels of the calcium binding protein, while lesser amounts were found in the thorax and head. The detected levels of calmodulin suggest that this protein serves as an important regulator of biochemical functions in the viscera and nervous system of insects.