Differential hormone regulation of acid DNase activity in the testes and fat body of Spodoptera litura (Lepidoptera-Insecta).

Acid DNase activity in the testes and fat body is high during the early larval instars which may be correlated with the extensive cell division seen in both the tissues during these stages. The increased enzyme activity, observed in the testes of the pupal stage, might be involved in the in vivo degradation of DNA in a large number of degenerating spermatocysts which occur during this stage. Total activity of acid DNase in the fat body is highest in pupal stage. Like acid phosphatase, this enzyme may also be involved in the process of remodelling of the fat body during metamorphosis. 20-Hydroxyecdysone (20-HE) does not have any effect on acid DNase activity in the testes but it alters the enzyme activity in the fat body. Juvenile hormone-I (JH-I) has no effect on the enzyme activity in the fat body.