α-Glycerophosphate Dehydrogenase Activity in Flight Muscles of Triatomine Bugs Panstrongylus megistus and Triatoma sordida

Abstract

The α-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase (α-GPDH) activity in flight muscles of Panstrongylus megistus and Triatoma sordida, vectors of Chagas disease in Brazil, was studied. Both species showed higher enzymatic activities in fliers than in non-fliers insects. T. sordida exhibited a higher proportion of flier insects than P. megistus. A possible role of α-GPDH on triatomines flight is discussed.