HISTOCHEMICAL DEMONSTRATION OF SUCCINIC DEHYDROGENASE IN THE FAT BODY OF THE DESERT LOCUST AND SOME GRASSHOPPERS

Abstract

Succinic dehydrogenase activity in the whole fat body of the desert locust and three species of grasshoppers has been demonstrated histochemically. The localization of the enzyme has been observed to be confined to the periphery of the cells. Fat solvents like ethyl acetate, ether, 3:1 ether-acetone mixture, or acetone alone, have been found to inhibit the enzyme, as was also the case with frozen sections or air dried material. Failure to demonstrate the activity of the enzyme in the latter case may be attributed to the possible release of an inhibitor, as has been already suggested by earlier authors in the case of homogenization.