Author:
E. Dontsov Alexander,A. Ostrovsky Mikhail
Abstract
The chapter is devoted to the study of the physicochemical properties of the ommochromes of the compound eye of arthropods. Ommochromes are the characteristic pigments of invertebrates. They are believed to function in the eyes as screening and protective pigments that protect photoreceptor cells from the damaging effects of light. Ommochromes were isolated, purified, and obtained in preparative quantities from crustaceans (Crustacea; order Decapoda) and insects (Insecta; families Stratiomyidae, Sphingidae, Blaberidae, Acrididae, and Tenebrionidae). The physicochemical properties of the isolated ommochromes were studied by absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy, electron spin resonance (ESR) and Mossbauer spectroscopy, and high-performance liquid chromatography. The antioxidant activity of ommochromes was studied by methods of inhibiting lipid peroxidation induced by reactive oxygen species and variable valence metal ions and by quenching luminol chemiluminescence. The data obtained are important both for understanding the biological functions of arthropod eye ommochromes and for the development of new pharmacological preparations based on ommochromes for the prevention and treatment of pathologies associated with the development of oxidative stress.