Publication Type

Journal Article

Journal Name

Insect Science and its Application

Publication Date

1-1-1997

Abstract

Haemolymph from the locusts Schistocercagregaria and Locustamigratoria contains humoral factors such as lectin and phenoloxidase system. In vitro studies demonstrated that phenoloxidase system can be activated by LPS, laminarin, Malamoeba locustae cysts, trypsin and methanol. Haemolymph showed agglutination activity for mammalian erythrocytes and protozoa (M. locustae, Leishmania major and Trypanosoma brucei). A purified lectin was isolated fromhaemolymphby affinity chromatography. Analysis by SDS-PAGE gave a single band at 80 kD while on native PAGE, it gave a single band at 650 kD. Inhibitors of the two humoral factors were investigated. Lectin activity was inhibited by nitrophenyl a D-galactopyranoside in both cases and by lectin antiserum. Inhibitors of the phenoloxidase system were found in plasma. Prospects for use of such inhibitors are discussed. They could be incorporated in biopesticide formulations in such a way that they could depress locust immune reaction and stimulate biocide activity. ©1997ICIPE.

Keywords

Agglutination, Identification of humoral factors, Inhibitors, Lectin, Locusta migratoria, Locusts, Phenoloxidase activation, Phenoloxidase system, Schistocerca gregaria

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