Isolation and characterization of a unique galactoside from male Drosophila melanogaster

Abstract

A ninhydrin-positive compound with presumptive hormonal activity, previously considered to be a peptide (Chen et al (1970)) isolated from adult male D. melanogaster (paragonial glands). Chromatographic analysis of the acid-hydrolyzed material revealed the presence of ethanolamine, P, galactose and glycerol. Chemical analysis showed these to be present in equimolar amounts. Based on P content, the nonreducing material took up 2 meq. of periodate and released 1 meq. of formaldehyde. Characterization of the compound as 1-O-(4-O-(2-aminoethyl phosphate)-.beta.-D-galactopyranosyl)-.chi.-glycerol was achieved by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy and 1H and 31P NMR using model compounds. In vivo synthesis from labeled precursors is in accord with the proposed structure.