Effect of a chitin synthesis inhibitor and a waste product on embryogenesis of Musca domestica

Abstract

The change in the amounts of DNA, RNA and total protein content (quantitative and qualitative) during embryogenesis of normal and treated Musca domestica eggs (with Lufenuron and waste product) were investigated. DNA content increased gradually reaching its maximum level (2.2µg/ 10 mg DNA) at 7 hrs postoviposition (late embryogenesis). However, RNA content and total protein decreased gradually reaching their minimum levels (5.3µg/10mgRNA, 1.17mgprotein/10mg egg) at 7 hrs postoviposition (late embryogenesis).Treatment of Musca domestica eggs with a chitin synthesis inhibitor (Lufenuron) and a waste product from rice straw resulted in a significant decrease DNA and RNA content throughout embryogenesis (0-7hr post oviposition).The treatment also resulted in a significant decrease in total protein of waste product treated eggs compared with the control except at 0hr old eggs (early embryogenesis). Treatment with Lufenuron resulted in a significant increase of total protein in treated eggs compared with the control at 0hr old eggs and 7hrs old eggs (late embryogenesis).However the protein content decreased (p>0.05) in Lufenuron treated eggs to a level similar to that of control at 1, 3, 5 hrs postoviposition(cleavage, gastrulation and organogenesis). The protein profile of normal and treated eggs at different time intervals (0, 1, 3, 5 and 7 hrs) during embryogenesis was evaluated to explain their mode of action. A total of 6 -13 protein bands with molecular weight of 5 -120 kilodaltons (KDa) were separated by electrophoresis during normal embryogenesis of Musca domestica. Treatment of Musca domestica eggs with Lufenuron resulted in separation of 9 – 11 protein bands with molecular weight of 25 -150 KDa. Treatment of Musca domestica eggs with waste product resulted in separation of 13 -16 protein bands with molecular weight of 10-200 KDa. The appearance and disappearance of certain protein fractions by application of these compounds may explain their ovicidal activity and disorders occurred during embryogenesis.