In vivo detection of cryoprotectants and lipids in overwintering larvae using carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy

Abstract

Natural abundance carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra of intact, acclimated Eurosta solidaginis larvae have been obtained. The spectra show peaks assignable to lipid components and the presence of one major type of monounsaturated fatty acid. Chloroform-soluble extracts of whole larvae support this. The major nonlipid carbon components were the two cryoprotectant polyols glycerol and sorbitol. Carbon-13 NMR is a useful tool for analysis of cryoprotectant molecules in whole, living cold acclimated freezing tolerant insects.