INDUCTION OF GLUTATHIONE METABOLISM IN THE FAT-BODY OF SARCOPHAGA-PEREGRINA BY INTEGUMENTAL INJURY

When the body wall of Sarcophaga larvae was pricked to activate various defense protein genes, the glutathione level in the fat body was found to decrease significantly. Previously, we showed that these defense protein genes were activated when the fat body was incubated in buffered insect saline [Sugiyama and Natori (1991) fur. J. Biochem. 200, 495-500]. Under these conditions, the glutathione level was also found to decrease significantly. Probably, the decrease of glutathione level is crucial for activation of insect NF-kappa B-like factor, which has been suggested to participate in the expression of various defense protein genes.