DISTRIBUTION OF CHOLINESTERASE IN THE LARVAE OF HYPODERMA BOVIS AND HYPODERMA LINEATUM (DIPTERA: OESTRIDAE) AND ITS INHIBITION BY SYSTEMIC INSECTICIDES

Abstract

Larvae of Hypoderma bovis (L.) and H. lineatum (De Vill.) when incubated with the substrate acetylthiocholine iodide showed the presence of cholinesterase throughout the central nervous system and sense organs, in gonads, oenocytes, Malpighian tubes, anlagen of adult structures, part of the posterior midintestine, and at the junctions of the muscles of the body wall. Incubation with the substrate 5-bromoindoxyl acetate showed all the aforementioned and in addition demonstrated the presence of aliesterase (organophosphorus-sensitive esterase) in the cell cytoplasm of all the midintestinal epithelium, the ring gland, tracheal epithelium, salivary duct epithelium, and in the perineurium of the nerve sheath. Aromesterase (organophosphorus-resistant esterase) was particularly abundant in the epithelium of the midintestine. Lipase was prominent in the lipid droplets of the fat body cells and in similar droplets in the haemocytes.When the larvae or their tissues, prior to incubation with the substrates, were treated with any one of the three organophosphorus insecticides coumaphos (Co-Ral), trichlorfon (Neguvon, Dipterex), or Ruelene, the cholinesterase was inhibited and so was much of the aliesterase, but not the aromesterase or lipase. Fixation of the larval tissues in formalin did not result in loss of enzyme activity, but on the other hand was not necessary for good histochemical demonstration of the enzymes.It is concluded that these insecticides by their anticholinesterase action kill the first-instar cattle grubs before the latter can migrate to the lumbar region of the bovine host.