Esterase 6 and Reproduction in Drosophila melanogaster

Abstract

A nonspecific carboxylesterase (esterase 6) of Drosophila melanogaster shows greater activity in adult males than in females and is highly concentrated in the anterior ejaculatory duct of the reproductive tract of the male. Esterase 6 is depleted in males by copulation and is transferred to females early during copulation as a component of the seminal fluid. That esterase 6 may be involved in a system controlling the timing of remating is suggested by differences in the activity of this enzyme in a strain of Drosophila selected for a decrease in time to remating and by differences in the timing of remating in females initially inseminated by males lacking or having active esterase 6.

Esterase profile in a pyrethroid-resistant Brazilian strain of the cattle tick Boophilus microplus (Acari, Ixodidae)

“…The a-and b-esterases have been extensively studied in insects and are known to be involved in different physiological processes, such as regulation of juvenile hormone levels (Kort and Granger, 1981), reproduction (Richmond et al, 1980), functioning of the nervous system and development of resistance to insecticides (Guillemaud et al, 1997).…”

Species Distribution and Characterization Studies of Sex-Limited Esterases within the virgifera Group of Diabrotica (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

“…However, enzymes similarly classed as carboxylesterases are widespread in insects and may be highly poly-morphic in natural populations. Moreover, these enzymes have been implicated as functioning in diverse processes such as digestion (Hipps & Nelson 1974), chemical detoxification (Dauterman & Hodgson 1978), reproduction (Richmond et al 1980), or the regulation of juvenile hormone titers I\Vhitmore et al 1975).…”

Evidence for B chromosome drive suppression in the grasshopper Eyprepocnemis plorans

“…As examples, we may mention an anti-aphrodisiac pheromone (Jallon et al, 1981), or the enzyme esterase-6, which influences the time until a female remates, the rate of sperm usage, productivity, copulation duration and pairing rate (Richmond et al, 1980;Gilbert et a!., 1981;Gilbert & Richmond, 1982a,b). Another enzyme, glucose oxidase, may function as a bactericide and fungicide (Cavener, 1980), and other substances stimulate oviposition (Bauinann, 1974a,b).…”