LOCALIZATION AND LONGEVITY OF SEMINAL-FLUID ESTERASE-6 IN MATED FEMALE DROSOPHILA-MELANOGASTER

Esterase 6 is a non-specific carboxylesterase (EC 3.1.1.1) and is a component of the seminal fluid of Drosophila melanogaster. Previous studies showed the presence of this enzyme in seminal fluid is associated with a variety of effects on female reproductive behaviour and physiology. In the present experiments, male-derived esterase 6 was initially transferred into the female's reproductive tract but was translocated within minutes of the beginning of mating into the haemolymph. Seminal-fluid esterase 6 was detected by Western blot analyses in mated-female haemolymph for as long as 4 days after mating. These results show that the enzyme remains in females for a period long enough to account for many of its behavioural and physiological effects. © 1990.