Trifluoromethylketones as possible transition state analog inhibitors of juvenile hormone esterase

A series of compounds containing the trifluoromethylketone group have been synthesized utilizing either a modified Grignard procedure or by reacting selected aliphatic bromides or tosylates with the Collman reagent [Na₂Fe(CO)₄]. When tested in vitro as inhibitors of crude juvenile hormone esterase from the hemolymph of the cabbage looper, Trichoplusia ni (Noctuidae), the most active compounds were trifluoromethylketones possessing either a juvenoid-like structure or a straight aliphatic chain. The logarithm of the inhibitory potency of the aliphatic compounds was proportional to their chain length, up to 1,1,1-trifluorotetradecan-2-one (I₅₀ = 1 × 10^?7M). This powerful inhibition was found to be highly selective for JHE, reversible, competitive by Lineweaver-Burk analysis, and was characterized by high affinity of the inhibitor for the esterase (K_i = 3.2 × 10^?9M, K_m JH III = 2 × 10^?7M). Other trifluoromethylketones were shown to be inhibitors of T. ni α-naphthylacetate esterase and bovine trypsin. By analogy with the mechanism of trypsin action, trifluoromethylketones are probably potent inhibitors due to their resemblance to a tetrahedral transition state on the reaction coordinate to the acylated enzyme.     

The inhibition of insect juvenile hormone esterase by trifluoromethylketones: Steric parameters at the active site

A rationally designed structure-activity relationship study has been accomplished using trifluoromethylketone inhibitors of insect juvenile hormone esterase from the cabbage looper, Trichoplusia ni (Hubner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Several α- and α′-substituted derivatives of 3-octylthio-1,1,1-trifluoropropan-2-one have been prepared and assayed for inhibitory potency against juvenile hormone esterase. The results indicate that the sulfur/protein interaction does not occur in a sterically constrained environment. Substitution adjacent to sulfur did not dramatically effect activity. However, substitution adjacent to the carbonyl of the trifluoromethylketone moiety reduced inhibitory potency substantially, indicating that the active site region of juvenile hormone esterase which interacts with the carbonyl is restricted to rather small substrates. A small hydrophobic pocket near the active site has been identified and can serve to increase inhibitory potency by secondary binding of appropriate substituents. The present study has resulted in the preparation of two more effective in vitro inhibitors of juvenile hormone esterase than those previously reported. Evidence that there are two naturally occurring forms of juvenile hormone esterase has also been provided.     

Kinetic properties of the inhibition of juvenile hormone esterase by two trifluoromethylketones and O-ethyl,S-phenyl phosphoramidothioate

Some inhibition kinetic properties and in vivo inhibition of the plasma juvenile hormone esterase from the cabbage looper (Trichoplusia ni Hübner) by one phosphoramidothioate and two trifluoromethylketones were examined. O-ethyl,S-phenyl phosphoramidothioate was shown to react irreversibly with the enzyme in a time-dependent manner, and the inhibition reaction can be factored into a reversible step with a dissociation constant, K_d, of 4.55 × 10^?5M followed by a phosphorylation step with a rate constant, k₂, of 1.98 min^?1. The phosphorylated enzyme did not show spontaneous recovery after 48 hr of dialysis. On the other hand, the two trifluoromethylketones were shown to act as reversible inhibitors, as their inhibited enzyme was regenerated completely after dialysis. However, 1,1,1,-trifluoro-3-thiooctylpropan-2-one, in contrast to 1,1,1-trifluorotetradecan-2-one, showed progressive time-dependent inhibition, and its reaction with the enzyme followed characteristic bimolecular second-order kinetics with a rate constant, k_i, of 3.37 × 10⁷M^?1 min^?1. The in vivo inhibition data of topically treated larvae at equimolar amounts of the tested compounds indicated rapid penetration, and the stability of the inhibition was higher for the phosphoramidothioate than for the trifluoromethylketones. The relationship of the mechanism of inhibition and the in vivo inhibition of these compounds to the understanding of the interactions between juvenile hormone and juvenile hormone esterase is discussed.     

Comparative inhibition of the juvenile hormone esterases from Trichoplusia ni,Tenebrio molitor, and Musca domestica

Twenty-seven compounds were screened as potential inhibitors of juvenile hormone esterases. Of these compounds O-ethyl-S-phenyl phosphoramidothiolate provided the best inhibition for the cabbage looper, Trichoplusia ni (Hubner), and the yellow mealworm, Tenebrio molitor L., while the juvenile hormone esterases of the house fly, Musca domestica L., were best inhibited by a juvenoid carbamate (1-(m-phenoxy-N-ethyl carbamate)-3,7-dimethyl-7-methoxy-2E-octene). The inhibition patterns of T. ni and T. molitor are similar, while those of M. domestica are relatively different. Further studies on the juvenile hormone and α-napthyl acetate esterases of T. ni showed that they could be differentially inhibited. Diisopropyl phosphorofluoridate and an alkyl trifluoromethyl ketone selectively inhibit the hydrolysis of α-naphthyl acetate and juvenile hormone, respectively, while O-ethyl-S-phenyl phosporamidothiolate inhibits both enzymes. The juvenile hormone esterases of T. ni also appear to be unique enzymes that are selective for juvenile-hormone-like molecules. The in vivo inhibition of T. ni juvenile hormone esterases by O-ethyl-S-phenyl phosphoramidothiolate slows the in vivo hydrolysis of juvenile hormone and results in delayed pupation and malformed larvae that resemble larval-pupal intermediates. Thus, the esterases involved in juvenile hormone metabolism appear to be important in juvenile hormone regulation.     

Selective inhibition of JH esterases from cockroach hemolymph

Juvenile hormone III was tritium labeled on the methyl ester and utilized with other substrates in an investigation of inhibition and substrate specificity of hemolymph esterases from the cockroach, Blaberus giganteus. The structure of labeled juvenile hormone III was supported both chemically and biochemically. Forty-two potential inhibitors were examined, and the best inhibitors included phosphoramidothiolates and S-phenylphosphates. One of these inhibitors was found useful in hormone biosynthesis studies dealing with the enzymatic conversion of methyl farnesoate to juvenile hormone in corpora allata homogenates. Several commonly used inhibitors of carboxyesterases caused only weak inhibition of JH esterases. Gel filtration elution patterns, inhibitor relationships, and specific activities of the hemolymph esterases indicate that juvenile hormones I and III are degraded by similar if not identical enzymes. In some cases, α-naphthyl acetate and juvenile hormone esterase activity could be differentially inhibited. Hemolymph esterases were not capable of degrading ethyl or isopropyl conjugated esters of two juvenoids or three model substrates.     

Inhibition of Penicillium duponti carboxylesterase by the fungicides captan and folpet

Captan, folpet, and perchloromethylmercaptan were effective inhibitors of Penicillium duponti p-nitrophenylpropionate esterase activity (I₅₀ = 0.5 – 2 μM) whereas α-naphthyl acetate esterase activity was not affected by the presence of these compounds. Captan and folpet are both equally effective at pH 7.3 and 8.3. The ionic composition of the medium had strong effects on the degree of inhibition produced by all inhibitors but did not alter esterase activity. Neither succinamide nor phthalimide caused inhibition of the p-nitrophenylpropionate esterase activity: The trichloromethylmercaptan portion of these fungicides appears to be responsible for the observed inhibition. The rapidity of captan and folpet inhibition of esterase activity (complete in < 1 min) compared to the rates of spontaneous decomposition ($\text{t}{}_{\mathrm{<mtext>1</mtext><mtext>2</mtext>}}\text{> 1}\text{min}$) and the insensitivity of captan and folpet inhibition to hydrogen ion concentration suggest that generation of spontaneous decomposition products is not required for inhibition. The results are consistent with a mechanism in which the entire fungicide molecule binds to the protein followed by enzyme-promoted reactions of captan and folpet which result in loss of esterase activity.     

Inhibition of neurotoxic esterase and acetylcholinesterase by organophosphorus compounds in selected ectothermic vertebrates

The sensitivity of brain acetylcholinesterase and neurotoxic esterase to inhibition by several organophosphorus compounds was studied in selected ectothermic vertebrates. These enzymes are associated with organophosphorus compound acute and delayed toxicity, respectively. In addition, the susceptibility of several of these species to delayed neurotoxicity induced by organophosphorus compounds was studied. Larvae of the gray treefrog, Southern leopard frog, and narrow-mouthed toad were exposed dermally to tri-o-tolyl phosphate or phenyl saliginen cyclic phosphate (PSCP); no symptoms of delayed neurotoxicity were observed in any of these animals up to 2 weeks after metamorphosis. No symptoms of delayed neurotoxicity were seen in juvenile bullfrogs exposed to multiple ip doses of PSCP. The specific activity of neurotoxic esterase was highest in the larval bullfrog, with juvenile channel catfish and adult mosquitofish demonstrating intermediate levels. The larval Southern leopard frog, adult Northern leopard frog, juvenile green treefrog, and adult marine toad exhibited extremely low activities. The specific activity of acetylcholinesterase was highest in the juvenile channel catfish. Neurotoxic esterase in the larval bullfrog was more sensitive to organophosphate inhibition than that in either fish. PSCP was a more potent neurotoxic esterase inhibitor than leptophos-oxon. The juvenile channel catfish had the acetylcholinesterase most sensitive to organophosphate inhibition. Under the conditions tested, no evidence of in vivo sensitivity to the organophosphate-induced delayed neurotoxicity phenomenon was observed.     

Aryl N-methoxy-N-methylcarbamates: Potent competitive reversible inhibitors of cholinesterases

A series of 27 substituted aryl N-methoxy-N-methylcarbamates were synthesized and their ability to reversibly inhibit house fly-head and bovine-erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase and horse-serum cholinesterase was determined. These compounds were all competitive, reversible inhibitors of bovine erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase but some of them showed mixed competitive inhibition against the house fly-head and horse-serum enzymes. Dissociation constants (K_i) as small as 9.9 × 10^?9M and as large as 1.4 × 10^?4M were observed. A highly satisfactory correlation between log K_i for the inhibition of fly-head acetylcholinesterase by the N-methoxy-N-methylcarbamates and ?log I₅₀ for the inhibition of the same enzyme by the corresponding methylcarbamates was noted. Analysis of the anticholinesterase data by multiple regression showed -log K_i to be related to Hansch's π constant and ring position terms. The results indicate that reversible binding of these compounds to acetylcholinesterase occurs by hydrophobic bonding.     

In vitro inhibition of acetylcholinesterase by O,O-dimethyl S-aryl phosphorothioates

In vitro inhibition of house cricket head, house fly head, and bovine erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase by O,O-dimethyl S-aryl phosphorothioates was studied by Main's kinetic treatment. The potency of the compounds as reflected by the bimolecular reaction constants (k_i) indicated that house fly head acetylcholinesterase was the most sensitive to the inhibition followed by house cricket head and bovine erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase. There are no linear relationships between the phosphorylation rate constants and the total binding energies for the inhibition of three enzymes by this series of compounds, suggesting that the initial binding and the phosphorylation rate are not related. The structure and activity relationships were analyzed by multiple regression analyses with the use of Hammett's sigma, alkaline hydrolysis rates of the compounds, and p_i constants. The hydrophobic bonding of the compound on the enzyme surface as reflected by the p_i constant played a significant role in the determination of the potency of the inhibition of house cricket head and house fly head acetylcholinesterase by those compounds. However, the alkaline hydrolysis rates of the compounds, or the Hammett's sigma values seems to play a more important role in the determination of the inhibition of bovine erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase. Moderate insecticidal activity toward house crickets, house flies, and mosquito larvae were found.     

Inhibition of the enzymatic hydration of the epoxide HEOM in insects

Enzymatic epoxide hydration, a significant mechanism in the regulation of insect development and in the detoxication of certain cyclodiene insecticides, has been investigated in vitro in the blowfly, Calliphora erythrocephala, the southern armyworm, Prodenia eridania, and the Madagascar cockroach, Gromphadorhina portentosa. Characterization of the hydrases involved in cyclodiene epoxide hydration has been achieved using as substrate a cyclodiene insecticide (HEOM) susceptible to enzymatic epoxide ring cleavage. The enzymes, which are microsomal but different from the oxidases, are inhibited in varying degrees by microsomal oxidase inhibitors as well as by certain epoxides, esterase inhibitors and compounds with reported juvenilizing ability. Group-bulk and electronegative effects are important requirements for HEOM-hydrase inhibition, the best inhibitor of the system being 1,1,1-trichloro-2,3-epoxypropane. Differences between the structural requirements for HEOM-hydrase inhibition and those for inhibition of the epoxide hydrase responsible for the degradation of juvenile hormone are discussed.     

Characterizations of general esterases in relation to malathion susceptibility in two field populations of the oriental migratory locust, Locusta migratoria manilensis (Meyen)

General esterases were characterized and compared from two populations of the oriental migratory locust, Locusta migratoria manilensis, collected from Huanghua and Pingshan Counties, Hebei Province, China. General esterases were most concentrated in the thorax and abdomen, which contained 46.1 and 36.1% of total esterase activity in females, and 42.7 and 36.0% in males, respectively, when α-naphthyl acetate was used as a substrate. There was no distinct difference in esterase banding patterns in different body regions for the substrates α-naphthyl acetate and β-naphthyl acetate on non-denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). However, the general esterase activities in the Huanghua population were 1.8-fold higher than those in the Pingshan population in both females and males. Increased esterase activity in the Huanghua population appeared to be mainly due to several additional esterase bands detected on non-denaturing PAGE. Inhibition studies of general esterases using four inhibitors, including paraoxon, malaoxon, eserine, and carbaryl, indicated that most general esterases in the two populations were B-type. The increased esterase activity in the Huanghua population appeared to be associated with a 1.8-fold decreased susceptibility to malathion. Such differences may attribute to the difference in control practices for the locust between Huanghua and Pingshan Counties.     

Inhibition of two acetylcholinesterases by the 4-nitrophenyl esters of methyl-, ethyl-, and isopropyl(phenyl)phosphinic acid

The inhibition of eel acetylcholinesterase and bovine erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase by the 4-nitrophenyl esters of methyl-, ethyl-, and isopropyl(phenyl)phosphinic acid (MPP, EPP, and IPP, respectively) was investigated at pH 6.90 in 0.067 M phosphate buffer (25.0°C) using stopped-flow instrumentation and automated data processing. Our evaluation of the dissociation constant, K_d, the unimolecular bonding rate constant, k₂, and the bimolecular reaction constant, k_i, are the first reported values for these constants for a homologous series of this class of organophosphorus compounds. The largest k₁ value (29,428 M^?1 sec^?1) was observed for the reaction of eel acetylcholinesterase with 4-nitrophenyl methyl(phenyl)phosphinate. The smallest k_i value (9.6 M^?1 sec^?1) was observed for the reaction of bovine erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase with 4-nitrophenyl isopropyl(phenyl)phosphinate.     

Inhibition of juvenile hormone biosynthesis and methyl farnesoate epoxidase activity by 1,5-disubstituted imidazoles in the cockroach,Diploptera punctata

Seventeen substituted imidazoles were tested as inhibitors of juvenile hormone (JH) III synthesis by cockroach corpora allata in an in-vitro radio-chemical assay. Most of these 1,5-disubstituted imidazoles were highly potent, with IC₅₀ values of less than 100nM. The compounds differed in their ability to cause an accumulation of the precursor methyl farnesoate in the glands. Four of the imidazoles were tested by topical application to previtellogenic adult females, and all caused a significant inhibition of JH synthesis and an accumulation of intraglandular methyl farnesoate for at least three days after treatment. Methyl farnesoate epoxidase activity of homogenates of corpora allata was inhibited by the compounds TH -14 and TH -27. This P450-dependent epoxidase activity was inhibited at less than 10 nM. The results show that the 1,5-disubstituted imidazoles are powerful inhibitors of the last step of juvenile synthesis in this cockroach.     

Esterase inhibitors as synergists for (+)-trans-chrysanthemate insecticide chemicals

Four synergists are used to evaluate the relative contribution of esterases and oxidases in the metabolism of four pyrethroids, the (+)-trans- and (+)-cis-isomers of resmethrin and tetramethrin, by five insect species and by mice. Three of these compounds are known pyrethroid synergists, S,S,S-tributyl phosphorotrithioate acting as an esterase inhibitor and piperonyl butoxide and O-(2-methylpropyl) O-(2-propynyl) phenylphosphonate acting as oxidase inhibitors. The fourth synergist, 1-naphthyl N-propylcarbamate, is an esterase inhibitor selected by screening 65 candidate esterase and oxidase inhibitors for maximal potency in synergizing the toxicity of trans-resmethrin to milkweed bugs. Naphthyl propylcarbamate synergizes the toxicity of trans-resmethrin and -tetramethrin to milkweed bugs, cockroaches, houseflies, cabbage loopers, and mealworms but not to mice. The persistence of trans-resmethrin in milkweed bugs treated by injection is increased by the esterase inhibitors while that of cis-resmethrin is increased by the oxidase inhibitors. The optimal synergist varies with the species and the pyrethoid, being related to both the nature of the pyrethroid alcohol moiety and the trans- or cis-configuration of the acid moiety. This probably results from species variations in the relative significance of esterases and oxidases in pyrethroid detoxification.     

Hydrolysis of permethrin by pyrethroid esterases from resistant and susceptible strains of Amblyseius fallacis (Acari: Phytoseiidae)

Pyrethroid-hydrolyzing activity in whole body homogenates of three insecticide-resistant and one susceptible strain of the predator mite, Amblyseius fallacis Garman has been examined in vitro. The highest esterase activity was found in the synthetic pyrethroid-resistant GH-1 strain body homogenate. All three pyrethroid-resistant strains had esterases that hydrolyzed trans-permethrin two times faster than cis-permethrin but isomer specificity was not observed in the susceptible strain. The pyrethroid esterases of the GH-1 strain were very sensitive to inhibition by dichlorovos, S,S,S-tributhylphosphorotrithioate, and 3-octylthio-1,1,1-trifluoro-2-propanone. Carbaryl and tetraethylpyrophosphate exhibited moderate inhibition in the GH-1 strain. Eserine sulfate and piperonyl butoxide only inhibited permethrin hydrolysis at higher concentrations. Fifteen esterase bands were resolved from body homogenates by gradient gel electrophoresis in the GH-1 strain, and were identified as carboxylesterases. The major pyrethroid-hydrolyzing activity was located in E5–E12 bands from GH-1 and composite susceptible strain esterases. Six esterase bands exhibiting low pyrethroid-hydroloyzing activity were also obtained from the two spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae (Koch).     

Metabolism of precocene II in the cabbage looper and European corn borer

A comparison of different tissues indicated that fat bodies of both the cabbage looper (Trichoplusia ni Hubner) and the European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis Hubner) fifth-instar larvae possessed the greatest in vitro metabolic activity towards the anti-juvenile hormone, precocene II (6,7-dimethoxy-2,2-dimethylchromene). Although the metabolic pathway suggested possible involvement of an epoxide hydratase, addition of epoxide hydratase inhibitors to incubation mixtures containing fat body homogenates of either species did not result in an accumulation of intermediate metabolites. However, all of the compounds tested inhibited metabolism of precocene II by mixed-function oxidase(s) as follows: 1,1,1-trichloropropane-2,3-epoxide, 14%; 1,2,3,4-tetradydronapthalene-1,2-epoxide, 63 to 74%; 2,2-bis[4-(2,3-epoxypropyloxy)phenyl] propane, 39 to 63%; cyclohexane oxide, 23 to 63%; and 1-(4-propargylphenoxy)-2,3-epoxypropane, 85 to 92%.     

Esterases and resistance to synthetic pyrethroids in the Egyptian cotton leafworm

Esterases hydrolyzing α-naphthyl acetate (α-NA), β-naphthyl acetate (β-NA), and p-nitrophenyl acetate (p-NPA) were investigated colorimetrically in larval homogenates of synthetic pyrethroid susceptible (S) and resistant (R) strains of Spodoptera littoralis (Boised). The hydrolytic activity towards the three substrates in cybolt, decamethrin, and fenvalerate R strains were from 3 to 6.5 times as high as in the S strain. The increase in esterase activity was closely associated with the development of resistance in the R strains. DEF (S,S,S-tributyl phosphorotrithioate) proved to be an inhibitor for all esterases, with a particularly potent action on p-NPA-hydrolyzing enzymes. The inhibitory action was more pronounced in R strains than in the S strain. Pretreatment with DEF increased the toxicity of pyrethroid compounds in the R strains more than in the S strain and hence decreased the levels of resistance in these strains. This is evidence that the esterases contribute to the resistance against synthetic pyrethroids in S. littoralis larvae.     

Inhibition of juvenile hormone biosynthesis in the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta, by a bisthiolcarbamate juvenoid and related compounds

Biosynthesis of juvenile hormone in the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta, is inhibited by the bisthiolcarbamate juvenoid N-ethyl-1,2-bis(isobutylthiolcarbamoyl)ethane both in vitro and in vivo. In vitro an extremely steep dose-response curve was obtained with an ID₅₀ value of 6 × 10^?6M. However, in vivo topical treatment with the compound resulted in mild JH antagonistic symptoms, suggesting rapid metabolism of the compound. In agreement with results from metabolic studies performed on plants and in mammals, sulfoxidation of the thiocarbamate S-(4-chlorobenzyl)N,N-diethylthiocarbamate resulted in an enhanced inhibitory effect on JH biosynthesis in vitro. This suggests that the corresponding thiocarbamate sulfoxides may act as intermediates in carbomylating critical thiol sites important in the terpenoid biosynthesis pathway. Furthermore, this study shows that these prototype compounds are interesting tools for further investigation of chemical inhibition of JH biosynthesis in insects.     

Pyrethroid toxicology in the frog

Adult Rana pipiens pipiens (Shreber) are highly sensitive to insecticidal α-cyano-3-phenoxybenzyl esters administered subcutaneously, i.e., LD₅₀ 0.13–0.35 mg/kg for deltamethrin and the most potent isomer of each of cis-cypermethrin, fenpropathrin, and fenvalerate and 0.65 mg/kg for (1R,αS)-trans-cypermethrin. Pyrethroids lacking the α-cyano substituent [pyrethrins, S-bioallethrin, kadethrin, and the Cis- and trans-isomers of (1R)-tetramethrin, (1RS)-resmethrin, (1R)-phenothrin, and (1R)-permethrin] vary greatly in their toxicity (LD₅₀ 0.14 to > 60 mg/kg) and the trans isomers are much less toxic than the corresponding cis isomers. The trans/cis specificity is due in large part to relative detoxification rates based on synergism studies with the resmethrin and permèthrin isomers and liver pyrethroid esterase assays with the permethrin and cypermethrin isomers. Poisoning by the noncyano compounds involves hyperactivity and tremors whereas by the cyanophenoxybenzyl esters involves tonic seizures and choreoathetosis, i.e., types I and II syndromes, respectively. Picrotoxinin, t-butylbicyclophosphate, and five other small cage compounds give a third type of syndrome with clonic seizures. Diazepam and its 2′-fluoro-4-methyl-4,5-dihydro analog (RO 5-3636) are more effective than 23 other compounds tested in protecting against deltamethrin toxicity. Diazepam is most effective in alleviating the Type II syndrome, intermediate with the type I syndrome, and is not active with picrotoxinin.     

Properties and inhibition of insect integumental chitin synthetase

Chitin polymerization is catalyzed by cell-free enzyme complexes from the integument of Trichoplusia ni larvae and wing tissue of developing Hyalophora cecropia pupae obtained on extraction of homogenates for 16 hr at 5°C in 25 mM Tris-HCl buffer, pH 7.2, containing 10 mM MgCl₂, 1 mM dithiothreitol, 10 mg/ml bovine serum albumin, and 4 mg/ml digitonin. In contrast, integumental preparations from Boarmia selenaria, Earias insulana, Heliothis virescens, Oncopeltus fasciatus, Spodoptera exigua, and Tribolium castaneum exhibit little or no chitin synthetase (CS) activity. H. cecropia CS requires magnesium ions but not N-acetyl-d-glucosamine for normal activity and is almost insensitive to nikkomycin and polyoxin D. CS activity is not detected in diapausing H. cecropia pupae but synthesis of this enzyme is induced or its activity is stimulated by the molting hormone, ecdysterone, indicating possible hormonal control. T. ni CS requires magnesium ions and N-acetyl-d-glucosamine for optimal activity and is sensitive to inhibition by uridine di- and triphosphates, polyoxins B and D, and particularly nikkomycin. T. ni integumental CS activity decreases in starved larvae or those about to pupate. Both T. ni and H. cecropia CS enzymes as prepared and assayed are sensitive to captan but not to the potent insecticides diflubenzuron and BAY SIR 8514, two effective benzoylphenyl urea in vivo chitin synthesis inhibitors.