EFFECT OF DIAMIDE ADMINISTRATION ON LONGEVITY, OXYGEN-CONSUMPTION, SUPEROXIDE-DISMUTASE, CATALASE, INORGANIC PEROXIDES AND GLUTATHIONE IN THE ADULT HOUSEFLY, MUSCA-DOMESTICA

The role of glutathione as an antioxidant was examined in the adult housefly by the administration of diamide, an oxidant of glutathione. Although diamide effectively oxidized glutathione, it also stimulated the synthesis of glutathione. Diamide induced a decrease in the rate of O2 consumption and in the activity of superoxide dismutase. Diamide increased catalase activity and the concentration of inorganic peroxides at early ages. Oxidation of glutathione apparently induces counterbalancing adaptive changes in the housefly.