[Biochemistry of the life cycle of Triatoma infestans (vinchuca). 1. Lipids and fatty acids composition]

Abstract

The lipid composition of Triatoma infestans (Vinchuca) was studied by thin layer chromatography and gas lipid chromatography. The main fatty acids found were oleic and palmitic followed by stearic, palmitoleic and linoleic. Only very small amounts of arachidonic and docosahexenoic acids were present. The composition depended on the incorporation of the fatty acids of the blood ingested, but it was modified in a small extent by the insect. The fatty acid composition changed during the development of the eggs to the following stages. The main lipids found were triacylglycerol, phósphatidyl ethanolamine, phosphatidyl choline, cholesterol esters and cholesterol. The analysis of the fatty acid composition of phosphatidyl ethanolamine and phosphatidyl choline spots showed the presence of little amounts of palmityl and stearyl aldehydes, suggesting the existence of the corresponding plasmalogens.