The in vivo effects of 3-deoxy-3-fluoro-D-glucose metabolism on respiration in Locusta migratoria.

The basis of the toxicity of 3-deoxy-fluoro-D-glucose (3FG) in adult Locusta migratoria is examined in vivo by a radiorespirometric analysis of 14CO2 from the locust after injections of 3FG prior to injections of D-[1-14C]glucose, D-[6-14C]glucose, or [1-14C]acetate. The results indicate that 3FG metabolism irreversibly inhibits glycolysis and not the hexose monophosphate pathway or the tricarboxylic acid cycle. It is also established that during metabolism of 3FG fluoride ion is released. Evidence for the metabolism of 3FG in the whole insect as far as triosephosphate isomerase is based on 3H2O release after injections of D-[3-3H]3FG. Further support for the metabolism of 3FG to fluorinated sugar phosphates is provided by chromatographic and 19F MNR analysis of 3FG poisoned locust tissue extracts. Based on these results a biochemical mode of toxicity of 3FG in locusts is discussed.