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Studies of the amino acids of Rhodnius prolixus. II. Analysis of the excretory material

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 April 2009

J. S. Harington
Affiliation:
Department of Entomology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine*

Extract

1. A qualitative paper chromatographic analysis of the free amino acids in Rhodnius urine and excreta was made: eleven amino acids or related compounds were detected, cystine and cysteic acid in urine, and histidine, histamine, leucine, taurine, glycine, valine, phenylalanine and alanine in the excretory fractions.

2. In addition to these, three yellow pigment spots were separated from the excreta; one of these is of unknown composition and two are peptides.

3. A possible relationship between certain of the excretory amino acids and haemolymph ones is discussed.

I am greatly indebted to the late Professor P. A. Buxton, C.M.G., F.R.S., for his stimulating criticism during this study, and to the members of the School for very useful discussion, and to Mr Paul Baily for performing the column chromatographic analyses on my behalf. The study forms part of a Thesis for the degree of Ph.D. approved by the University of London, and was financed by the South African Council for Scientific and Industrial Research. I wish to acknowledge their generous financial support.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1961

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