Tissue-specific expression of esterases in Triatoma infestans (Triatominae, Heteroptera)

Abstract

We examined the esterases present in the hemolymph and Malpighian tubules of "Kissing bug", Triatoma infestans (Triatominae, Heteroptera) by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Six esterase bands were observed and were designated EST 1 to EST 6. EST 1, 4, 5 and 6 were exclusive to hemolymph, whereas EST 2 and 3 were found only in Malpighian tubules. Each tissue had a characteristic esterase pattern, which may be related to its functional role. The four hemolymph esterases hydrolyzed a-naphthyl acetate. One of these enzymes was classified as a carboxylesterase (EST 4), and another was an acetylesterase (EST 6). The other two enzymes (EST 1 and 5) could be either carboxylesterases or serino-proteases with an esterolytic function, as they were selectively inhibited by phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride (PMSF). Absence of genetic variability could be due to high inbreeding.Foram examinadas as esterases presentes na hemolinfa e nos túbulos de Malpighi do "barbeiro" Triatoma infestans (Triatominae, Heteroptera) através de eletroforese em gel de poliacrilamida. No total, foram observadas seis bandas esterásicas denominadas EST 1 a EST 6. As esterases EST 1, 4, 5 e 6 foram exclusivas da hemolinfa, enquanto EST 2 e 3 foram encontradas apenas nos túbulos de Malpighi. Cada tecido apresentou um padrão esterásico característico, o qual pode estar relacionado com o seu papel funcional. As quatro esterases da hemolinfa hidrolizaram o a-naftil acetato. Uma destas enzimas foi classificada como carboxilesterase (EST 4), uma como acetilesterase (EST 6) e as outras duas enzimas podem ser carboxilesterases ou serino-proteases com função esterolítica, uma vez que elas foram inibidas seletivamente pelo PMSF (EST 1 e 5). A ausência de variabilidade genética pode ser devida à alta taxa de endocruzamentos.