Changes in haemolymph proteins in the normal and allatectomized blowfly Phormia regina Meig. during the first reproductive cycle

Abstract

Total haemolymph protein concentration was determined during the first reproductive cycle of the anautogenous blowfly Phormia regina. A 14-fold increase in protein concentration occurred 2 days after meal supplemented a sugar–water diet. Haemolymph volume showed a concomitant increase with protein concentration. No such increase in protein concentration or haemolymph volume was found when flies were maintained on the sugar–water diet.The increase in protein concentration was due to a general increase in all protein fractions. However, the protein concentration in bands 3 and 4 decreased during the period of rapid egg development.Allatectomy raised both the protein concentration and the haemolymph volume of flies fed sugar–water. The addition of meat to the diet on the 4th day led to an increase in protein concentration, but the haemolymph volume showed no change. In contrast, sham-operated controls followed the pattern of the normal flies.Although blood protein concentration increased in allatectomized meat-fed flies, no eggs matured. All protein fractions other than 3 and 4 showed an increase.