Developmental patterns in the antioxidant defenses of the housefly, Musca domestica

Abstract

The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione S-transferases, GSSG reductase, thiol transferases, gamma glutamylcysteine synthetase, and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, and the concentrations of H2O2 and reduced and oxidized glutathione were determined in the various developmental stages of houseflies. Housefly development was correlated with a progressive increase of cellular oxidizing equivalents and a loss of cellular reducing capacity. The loss of reducing equivalents appeared to result from a decrease in the activity of enzymes involved in glutathione and NADPH synthesis and a concomitant increase in glutathione-oxidizing enzymes. Relatively little change was observed in SOD activity during housefly development; however, the electrophoretic pattern of MnSOD varied in a manner specific to developmental stage. A striking increase in H2O2 concentration occurred prior to pupation possibly due to changes in substrate catabolism. These results support the hypothesis that the cellular environment becomes progressively more oxidizing during development.

Antioxidant defense response in a galling insect

“…Thus, in the present study, the second peak observed with respect to both the Hessian fly CATs in late third larval instars could address this cooperative function of ecdysteroids and CATs. These results are in corroboration with the hypothesis that during development the cellular environment gradually becomes more prone to the process of oxidation (31).…”

Profiling Cu,Zn-superoxide dismutase expression in Drosophila melanogaster—a critical regulatory role for intron/exon sequence within the coding domain

“…These ROS spikes could then impact specific developmental events via redox sensitive intermediates. Similar AOE disparities have been noted in Musca domestica (Allen et al, 1991).…”

Catalase expression inDrosophila melanogaster is responsive to ecdysone and exhibits both transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation

“…This finding was further extended by RNA gel analysis conducted by Orr et al, (1996), who showed that mRNA levels exhibited a similar pattern. It has been postulated that such variations could impact redox levels and perhaps even play an active role in differentiation (Allen et al, 1991). In view of the critical functions that catalase may play, a more rigorous elucidation of its various roles is called for.…”