Ecdysone oxidase in insects.

The occurrence of the enzyme ecdysone oxidase was demonstrated in several insect species. In blowflies it was detected mainly in eggs and pupae. The enzyme activity in blowflies varies during development parallel to the ecdysteroid content. This suggests a specific but presently unknown function of the enzyme. Ecdysone oxidase was located mainly in the fat body and gut of blowflies. It is a cytosolic enzyme.