Xanthine Oxidase of the Clothes Moth, Tineola Bisselliella, and Some Other Insects

Abstract

Xanthine oxidase activity in Tineola larvae averages 200· /!moles of uric acid per g whole larva (wet weight) per hr and in Tenebrio, Lucilia, Anthrenocerus, Ephestia, and Anthrenus larvae activity ranges between 13·4 and 1·3. The optimum pH for Tineola xanthine oxidase lies between pH 7·7 and 8· 0, and the optimum concentration of xanthine is at or below 1·3 X 10-3M. Methylene blue in concentrations up to 5·3 X 1O-3M has no toxic effect on this enzyme, and the lower concentrations of methylene blue have a limiting effect. Cyanide and 6-pteridyl aldehyde inhibit Tineola xanthine oxidase. The insect xanthine oxidases are demonstrated to be dehydrogenases. DPN, and pyruvate and DPN together, stimulate uric acid production by Tineola xanthine oxidase in the absence of methylene blue. In Tenebrio larvae there is a higher concentration of xanthine oxidase in the midgut and fat-body than in the remaining tissues.