Induction of some digestive enzymes in the midgut of the sandfly phlebotomus langeroni after sugar and blood meals

ABSTRACT

Changes associated with blood and sugar meals digestion in the sandfly, Phlebotomus langeroni were characterized. Different types of sugars [sucrose, glucose, melibiose, cellobiose, lactose, starch, fig fruits, honey dew and a mixture of sources and sugar sources] were used for the sandfly feeding. Activities of glycosidases and proteases in the sandfly guts after blood and sugar meals were determined using the endpoint method. The results showed that glycosidases [alpha- glycosidase, beta-glycosidase, alpha-galactosidase and beta galactosidase] are present in the sandfly midguts. No activities of the glycosidases [alpha-mannosidase and alpha-amylase] were detected in the sandfly gut. Proteases [trypsin and aminopeptidase] showed activities in the sandfly midguts. It was concluded that the midgut glycosidase may play an important role in the vector-parasite interaction. Trypsin and aminopeptidase induction after a blood meal is controlled by a secretogogues mechanism which indirectly influences the outcome of the Leishmania parasite infection