ALTERATIONS IN HAEMOLYMPH PROTEINS OF DRONE HONEY BEE LARVAE PARASITIZED BY VARROA JACOBSONI

Abstract

Protein fractions in haemolymph of normal and Vnmoa jacobsoni parasitized drone brood were made by two acrylamide gel electrophoresis methods. Total protein content was examined following haemolymph denaturation. Basic proteins were evaluated using a discontinuous acidic buffer system. The studies reveal a reduction of the content of total proteins in haemolymph of parasitized drone brood that is related to the intensity of the invasion. The invasion alters both the clectro- phoretic patterns and densities of blood proteins, especially of low molecular weight cathodal protein fractions. It is reasonable to assume from the results obtained that changes in spectra of haemolymph proteins are the result of protein depletion, but also could be connected with some biochemical changes following release of toxic substances of the mite into the body of the host.