Lipid Mobilization and Acyl-Coenzyme A Dehydrogenase Abundance in the Postpharyngeal Gland of a Leaf-Cutting Ant

Author(s)

Vieira, A. S. ; Bueno, O. C.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Sociobiology; v. 63, n. 4, p. 1005-1014, DEC 2016.
• Web of Science Citations: 1

Abstract

The postpharyngeal gland (PPG) in ants has a central role in lipid accumulation. Our objective was to investigate whether the PPG of workers of the leaf-cutting ant Atta sexdens rubropilosa (F.) performs lipid mobilization to the hemolymph, and to verify whether lipids in gland cells are in part oxidized to acetyl-CoA. Increased levels of fatty acids were observed in both the PPG and the hemolymph after 48 h of lipid supplementation. In contrast, after 120 h of lipid supplementation, fatty acid levels were reduced in the PPG and significantly increased in the hemolymph. The gland cells of the PPG of workers supplemented with lipids exhibited a high amount of Acyl-CoA dehydrogenase, and the lipids were in part beta-oxidized to Acetyl-CoA. These findings suggest that the PPG of A. sexdens rubropilosa workers mobilize fatty acids from their gland cells to the hemolymph. Further work will be needed to elucidate lipid transport from the hemolymph to other organs in this organism. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 12/12541-3 - Lipid metabolism of postpharyngeal glands in Atta sexdens rubropilosa (Forel, 1908) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)
• Grantee: Alexsandro Santana Vieira
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral