ISSN:
1573-1561
Keywords:
Psoralen
;
isopsoralen
;
furanocoumarin
;
Papilio polyxenes
;
Lepidoptera
;
Papilionidae
;
metabolism
;
detoxification
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Chemistry and Pharmacology
Notes:
Abstract The comparative fate of tritiated preparations of a linear furanocoumarin (psoralen) and an angular furanocoumarin (isopsoralen) was determined in last-instar caterpillars of the black swallowtail butterfly (Papilio polyxenes Fabr.). Oral administration of either furanocoumarin at 5 μg/g is followed by rapid metabolism, primarily through oxidative cleavage of the furan ring, and the metabolites are rapidly excreted. Isopsoralen is, however, metabolized at a somewhat slower rate than is psoralen, and levels of unmetabolized isopsoralen in body tissues of the treated caterpillars are about three-fold higher. These data are compatible with the hypothesis that a reduced detoxification rate accounts at least in part for the susceptibility ofP. polyxenes caterpillars to the deleterious effect of isopsoralens.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF01020257
Permalink