Changes in Superoxide Dismutase Activity in Various Larval Organs of Greater Wax Moth (Galleria mellonella L., Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) Induced by Infection with Bacillus thuringiensis ssp. galleriae

摘要

We studied the changes in superoxide dismutase activity in organs of Galleria mellonella larvae infected with two strains of Bacillus thuringiensis. A considerable increase in superoxide dismutase activity was observed at the initial stages of infection, later the enzyme activity decreased and this decrease was timed to cessation of feeding and development of sepsis in the infected larvae. Changes in the enzyme activity in the organs of larvae infected with a highly virulent strain of B. thuringiensis correlated with the stages of infection. Involvement of superoxide dismutase in prevention of oxidative stress in the infected larvae is discussed.