Studies of the amino acids ofRhodnius prolixus. I. Analysis of the haemolymph

Abstract

1. A qualitative and semi-quantitative analysis of the free amino acids in the haemolymph ofRhodnius prolixushas been made by paper chromatography.2. Twenty-one amino acids or related compounds were detected of which histidine appears at the highest concentration.3. The α-amino-N concentration of haemolymph is among the lowest values recorded for insect haemolymphs.4. A substance corresponding in position to thyroxine has been detected in haemolymph of a few immature insects, and is formed if iodate is added to freshly withdrawn haemolymph.I wish to record my great appreciation to the late Professor P. A. Buxton, C.M.G., F.R.S., for his valuable assistance and criticism during this study and to members of the staff for helpful discussions. 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 whose generous support I acknowledge with pleasure.