Isolation, sequence determination, physical and physiological characterization of the neuroparsins and ovary maturing parsins of Schistocerca gregaria.

Neurosecretory products immunologically related to either neuroparsin (NP) or ovary maturing parsin (OMP) of Locusta migratoria (Lom) were purified from the nervous corpora cardiaca of Schistocerca gregaria (Scg). The determination of both their molecular masses by mass spectrometry and their sequences by automated Edman degradation established that they are members of the NP and OMP families respectively. NP molecules of Schistocerca (Scg NPs) consisted of two major forms having about the same molecular masses as NPA and NPB of Locusta and 88% primary structure similarity. They had also the same antidiuretic activity. OMP molecules of Schistocerca (Scg OMPs) were composed in young adults of four isoforms: two long isoforms corresponding to Lom OMP, and differing by a tripeptide insertion (Pro-Ala-Ala) at position 21 and two short isoforms deprived of the 13-residue N-terminal peptide of Lom OMP and differing by the same tripeptide insertion. The PAA isoforms were observed in low amounts as compared to the other isoforms. In mature adults, only the two short isoforms were present. The complete sequence of PAA Scg OMP presents a large degree of sequence homology with Lom OMP (83%). The mixed Scg OMPs had the same biological effects as Lom OMPs. They induced precocious occurrence of both ecdysteroids and vitellogenin in the haemolymph and stimulated oöcyte growth.

Action of linoleic acid on phospholipase C activity at the rectal level of the African locust under the control of protein kinase C.

Linoleic acid (18:2n-6), linolenic acid and eicosatrienoic acid stimulated fluid reabsorption in locust rectum. Only 18:2n-6 was able to enhance phospholipase C activity, inositol(1,4,5) trisphosphate production and to increase cytosolic free Ca2+ concentrations in epithelial cells via the opening of L-type Ca2+ channels. These effects resemble those exerted by neuroparsin, an antidiuretic neuronal hormone extracted from the storage lobes of the locust corpora cardiaca. As for neuroparsin, the effects of 18:2n-6 were abolished after pre-treatment with the protein kinase C inhibitor, polymyxin B. The results were consistent with a regulation of neuroparsin-sensitive phospholipase C activity by 18:2n-6 under control of protein kinase C, possibly by increasing membrane fluidity. Cyclooxygenase inhibitors attenuated the effects of 18:2n-6. This demonstrated that the results should be produced via the metabolites of 18:2n-6 HODEs rather than the PUFA itself.