REGULATION OF DIGESTIVE ENZYME LEVELS IN INSECTS

Because of confusion over the use of the term secretagogue we propose that the direct interaction of an element of the meal with digestive enzyme-producing cells, resulting in increased rates of enzyme synthesis or secretion, should be referred to as a prandial mechanism, Most studies suggest that paracrine and/or prandial mechanisms are the main factors controlling digestive enzyme synthesis and secretion in insects, Distinguishing between the two mechanisms is a significant challenge, In many insects, soluble proteins are potent stimulants of proteinase synthesis and secretion probably through the prandial/paracrine pathways, The details of the mechanisms involved are unknown, Hormones (other than paracrine) probably play a role in modulating the levels of digestive enzymes rather than in their absolute control, Feeding can effect the control of digestive enzyme synthesis at either the transcriptional or translational level.