The esterase patterns in the ovaries and the embryonated eggs of Aedes aegypti L.

The esterases of Aedes aegypti were studied in the ovary before and during a gonotrophic cycle and also in fully embryonated eggs by means of disc electrophoresis. During oogenesis no significacant changes can be observed besides a marked increase in the total esterase activity. A different esterase pattern is found in eggs after embryogenesis. The electrophoretic mobility of some esterase bands is highly increased in the ovary compared to other organs. One esterase fraction in the ovary and two in the fertilized egg were identified as acetylcholinesterases. All other enzymes are carboxylesterases. The results are compared to those of previous authors and are discussed in view of possible functions of esterases during reproduction.