The Comparative Enzymological Characteristics of Cholinesterases in Nervous Tissues and Homogenates of Cotton Bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera Hbn.) Larvae

Abstract

Two cholinesterases were identified in the cotton bollworm Helicoverpa (Heliothis) armigera Hbn., that is, acetylcholinesterase from the nervous chain and butyrylcholinesterase from homogenates of larvae. A comprehensive study of the substrate-inhibitor specificity of cholinesterases (based on the modern concept of inhibition by high substrate concentrations), as well as the investigation of anti-enzyme action of 57 irreversible organophosphorus inhibitors, indicated a peculiarity of the enzymological characteristics of the bollworm cholinesterases compared to cholinesterases of arthropods and some mammals.