Multiple forms of juvenile hormone esterase active sites in the hemolymph of larvae of Trichoplusia ni.

Kinetic analysis was performed on the juvenile hormone (JH) esterase activity in the hemolymph of feeding, last instar larvae of Trichoplusia ni (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). When the results were analyzed by several different graphical and regression procedures, all approaches yielded the same conclusion that at least two forms of JH esterase active sites exist in the hemolymph. The apparent Km for one site for JH I, II and III was 8.5 X 10(-8) M, and 6.6 X 10(-8) M, respectively. The Km for the other site for JH I, II and III was 6.6 X 10(-7) M, 7.6 X 10(-7) M, 40 X 10(-7) M, respectively. When hemolymph JHE activity was subjected to high resolution isoelectric focusing (IEF), two distinct large peaks of JHE activity were observed, with pIs of 5.3 and 5.5, as well as a small peak at pI 5.1. Separate kinetic analysis of the JHE activity in each peak showed that only the higher Km active site for each substrate was present (in the 10(-7) M range). These data necessitate a change in the current model for JHE in T. ni, and some other insects, which states that a single active site is responsible for most or all of the JH esterase activity in vivo. The data also explain the different estimates of the Km of JHE in T. ni obtained by different laboratories. Studies on the purification of, and the development of inhibitors for, JHE esterase must consider the role of both JHE forms and sites in regulation of T. ni metamorphosis.