title: Effects of developmental age, ambient temperature, and dietary alterations on delta(12) desaturase activity in the house cricket, Acheta domesticus.
abstract: Double bond formation in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) is mediated by desaturase enzymes. Certain insect species have been found to possess a Delta(12) desaturase, previously thought to occur exclusively in plants. We have begun to characterize this enzyme to determine its relatedness to those found in plants and animals. Desaturase activity can be altered significantly by a number of environmental factors in protozoa, cyanobacteria, plants, fish, and rats. We present evidence here that Delta(12) desaturase activity in Acheta domesticus is affected by developmental stage, starvation, dietary alterations, and fluctuations in ambient temperature. Highest activity is observed during the middle of the penultimate instar and 3 to 6 days after adult emergence. Starvation markedly decreases Delta(12) activity, whereas resumption of feeding on fat-free or low fat diets increases activity.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biochemistry, University of Nevada, Reno 89557, USA.
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Batcabe
authors.forename: J D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Howell
authors.forename: G J
authors.initials: GJ
authors.lastname: Blomquist
authors.forename: C E
authors.initials: CE
authors.lastname: Borgeson
mesh_terms: D000375:Aging; D000818:Animals; D044943:Fatty Acid Desaturases / Q000378:metabolism*; D006135:Gryllidae / Q000201:enzymology / Q000254:growth & development / Q000502:physiology*; D013696:Temperature
chemical_list: D044943:Fatty Acid Desaturases; C040448:delta-12 fatty acid desaturase