Age-related changes in the protein quantity in the secretion of the accessory glands of male Aedes aegypti (L.)
Lachinova, R.I.; Zakharchenko, O.V.; Rasnitsyn, S.P.; Demina, V.T.
Meditsinskaia Parazitologiia i Parazitarnye Bolezni 48(3): 56-60
1979
ISSN/ISBN: 0025-8326 PMID: 460053 Document Number: 146377
Age-related changes in the concentration of proteins secreted by the accessory glands of uncopulating male A. aegypti were studied the 1st 5 days of life. A secretion was obtained by incubation of 30 pairs of isolated glands for 2 1/2 h in 30-40 .mu.l of a cooled physiological solution. The glands were centrifuged at 5000 rpm for 10 min, the supernatant was removed with a capillary, transferred to a microtube and the amount adjusted to 60 .mu.l. Protein was determined by Lowry's method. A specimen had 0.25-0.90 .mu.g proteins. The greatest amount of proteins in the secretion in uncopulating males was found on the 4th day with standard methods. It was higher than 1-day-old males by 60-100% and in 5-day-old males by 40-80%. Results may be used as a criterion for evaluation of sexual activity of males from different physiological conditions.