title: Heterogeneity of odorant-binding proteins in the antennae of Bombyx mori.
abstract: Different odorant-binding proteins (OBPs) were isolated from total antennal homogenates of male and female Bombyx mori. Proteins were separated according to their isoelectric point by using preparative fast-flow isoelectrofocusing. Odorant-binding proteins were identified in immunoblots by antisera raised against the pheromone-binding protein (anti-PBP) and the general odorant-binding protein (anti-GOBP2) of Antheraea polyphemus. Four proteins cross-reacting with anti-PBP were detected in males and two in females, while three proteins cross-reacting with anti-GOBP2 were found in males and five in females. Both anti-PBP and anti-GOBP2 cross-reacting proteins had an apparent molecular weight of 15-16 kDa. In parallel, the same two antisera were used in immunocytochemical studies in order to determine the distribution of these proteins within the various subtypes of olfactory sensilla. The presence of multiple odorant-binding proteins within one moth species as well as their complex distribution pattern support the suggestion that soluble OBPs might have a function in odorant discrimination.
authors.affiliation: Max-Planck-Institut für Verhaltensphysiologie, Seewiesen, Germany.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Maida
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Proebstl
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Laue
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D015153:Blotting, Western; D012831:Bombyx / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000378:metabolism*; D003429:Cross Reactions; D005260:Female; D007106:Immune Sera; D019476:Insect Proteins / Q000276:immunology; D007525:Isoelectric Focusing; D008297:Male; D009833:Olfactory Pathways / Q000378:metabolism*; D018035:Receptors, Odorant / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D007106:Immune Sera; D019476:Insect Proteins; D018035:Receptors, Odorant; C045648:odorant-binding protein