title: Partial characterisation of a trypanosome-lysing factor from the midgut of the desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Screening and biochemical characterisation of trypanosome-lysing factor (trypanolysin) from non-vector insect, Schistocerca gregaria.
  
  
  METHODS
  Laboratory based experiment.
  
  
  METHODS
  Department of Biochemistry, University of Nairobi.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Lysis of isolated trypanosomes was demonstrated with midgut homogenates of natural vector Glossina morsitans centralis as well in non-vector insects. The highest trypanolytic activity was observed in midgut homogenate of the desert locust. Schistocerca gregaria followed by the cockroach, Periplaneta americana (L). Further studies on the S. gregaria trypanolytic factor showed its proteinaceous nature due to its sensitivity to temperatures above 40 degrees C and to proteases. Additionally, the factor showed lectin-like properties since the activity was blocked by D-glucosamine.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The trypanolytic factor has the potential of being used to modulate tsetse fly vectorial capacity.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biochemistry, College of Health Sciences, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 30197, Nairobi, Kenya.
authors.forename: D O
authors.initials: DO
authors.lastname: Ogoyi
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Achieng
authors.forename: E K
authors.initials: EK
authors.lastname: Nguu
authors.forename: J O
authors.initials: JO
authors.lastname: Ochanda
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004064:Digestive System / Q000378:metabolism; D010450:Endopeptidases / Q000378:metabolism*; D006110:Grasshoppers / Q000378:metabolism / Q000469:parasitology*; D006790:Host-Parasite Interactions / Q000502:physiology; D019476:Insect Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D007303:Insect Vectors; D037102:Lectins / Q000378:metabolism*; D013696:Temperature; D014346:Trypanosoma brucei brucei / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D019476:Insect Proteins; D037102:Lectins; D010450:Endopeptidases; C490724:trypanolysin protein, Schistocerca gregaria