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Insulin in insects and annelids.

D LeRoith, M A Lesniak, J Roth

    Diabetes
    |January 1, 1981
    PubMed
    Summary
    This summary is machine-generated.

    Researchers found insulin in fruit flies and earthworms using classic extraction methods. This suggests insulin is more common in invertebrates than previously believed, expanding our understanding of its distribution.

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    Area of Science:

    • Biochemistry
    • Zoology
    • Endocrinology

    Background:

    • Insulin is a key metabolic hormone primarily studied in vertebrates.
    • Previous research indicated insulin-like substances in some invertebrates like blowflies and mollusks.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the presence and bioactivity of insulin in fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster) and earthworms (Annelida oligocheta).
    • To determine if insulin is more broadly distributed across invertebrate phyla than previously recognized.

    Main Methods:

    • Acid-ethanol extraction of fruit flies and earthworms, a standard method for pancreatic insulin recovery.
    • Sephadex G-50 column chromatography to isolate immunoreactive fractions.
    • Bioassays using isolated rat adipocytes to measure glucose oxidation and lipogenesis stimulation.

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  • Neutralization assays using anti-insulin antibodies to confirm specificity.

    • Main Results:

    • A distinct peak of insulin immunoreactivity was detected in both fruit fly and earthworm extracts.
    • The isolated material exhibited insulin bioactivity, stimulating glucose oxidation and lipogenesis in rat adipocytes.
    • This bioactivity was partially or largely neutralized by anti-insulin antibodies, confirming its insulin-like nature.
    • Quantification revealed insulin levels of 0.1 to 2 ng/g wet weight in the extracts.

    Conclusions:

    • Insulin and its functional equivalent are present in insects (fruit flies) and annelids (earthworms).
    • These findings extend the known distribution of insulin-like molecules to a wider range of invertebrates.
    • The study supports the hypothesis that insulin signaling pathways are ancient and widespread across diverse animal groups.