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L-leucine: a neuroactive substance in insects
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|January 28, 1972
Summary
Researchers isolated L-leucine from silkworm larvae (Bombyx mori) exposed to DDT. This compound was found to increase nerve activity in American cockroaches (Periplaneta americana).
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Neuroscience
- Entomology
Background:
- Insecticides like DDT can induce physiological changes in insects.
- Silkworm larvae (Bombyx mori) are a potential source of biologically active compounds.
- Nerve cord preparations from insects like the American cockroach (Periplaneta americana) are used to study neurophysiology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and identify a compound from DDT-treated silkworm larvae.
- To investigate the neurophysiological effects of the isolated compound on insect nerve cords.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and purification of a compound from the hemolymph of Bombyx mori larvae exposed to DDT.
- Electrophysiological recording of spontaneous discharge in the isolated abdominal nerve cord of Periplaneta americana.
Main Results:
- A compound was successfully isolated from the blood of silkworm larvae.
- The isolated compound was identified as the amino acid L-leucine.
- L-leucine significantly increased the spontaneous discharge rate in the American cockroach nerve cord.
Conclusions:
- L-leucine is present in silkworm larvae and may be involved in their response to DDT exposure.
- L-leucine exhibits neuroexcitatory properties in the American cockroach nervous system.
- This study highlights a potential link between an amino acid and insecticide-induced physiological responses in insects.