Activity and Distribution of Five Digestive Enzymes in the Gut of Gryllotalpa Gryllotalpa Curtis (Gryllotalpidae: Orthoptera) After Allatectomy, Brain Cauterization and Juvenoid Treatment.

Abstract

A study was made on the effects of allatectomy, brain cauterization and juvenoid treatment on the activities and distribution of protease, amylase, lipase, trypsin and chymotrypsin in various regions of the gut of the adult mole-cricket, Gryllotalpa gryllotalpa (Curtis). Allatectomy resulted in a significant reduction in the amount of protease, lipase, trypsin and chymotrypsin enzyme activity. Brain cauterization produced the same effect, but amylase and lipase activity also decreased. Juvenoid treatment of allatectomized insects reversed the effect of allatectomy; in addition, the distribution pattern of the enzyme activity was changed in different regions of the gut. The results are discussed in relation to the neuroendocrine control of enzyme secretion and synthesis.