Glycosylation and isoform variation of juvenile hormone esterase in the fat body and hemolymph during metamorphosis of Trichoplusia ni (Lepidoptera).

Two major isoforms of juvenile hormone esterase (JH esterase) from metamorphosing larvae of Trichoplusia ni were characterized with respect to isoform variation, glycosylation (lectin reactivity) and hormonal induction. Both forms are similarly inducible by juvenile hormone, and both become similarly glycosylated, as measured by concanavalin A binding. In prepupae, synthesis of new JH esterase from a low baseline and glycosylation within fat body are limiting steps in modulation of the level of JH esterase in the hemolymph. In contrast, during the pupal stage regulation of hemolymph JH esterase activity changes to a level other than synthesis of new enzyme or its glycosylation.