Electrophoretic analysis of esterase isozymes in organophosphate-resistant mosquitoes (Culex pipiens)

Abstract Esterase isozymes from individual mosquitoes, Culex pipiens , were analyzed by thin layer agar gel electrophoresis. Changes in esterase isozyme patterns during the developmental stages were studied. In most strains, only one band was found in eggs. During larval development many bands were gradually formed, and the most anodal bands were lost upon pupation. These larva-specific esterases may be controlled by three or more co-dominant alleles. In the adult, many bands were present that were probably controlled by at least seven loci. Est-2 may be controlled by co-dominant alleles; a recessive silent allele was also found. Esterase isozyme patterns of organophosphorus insecticide-resistant and susceptible strains were compared. Resistant strains had very active esterase bands but different patterns were found in malathion and temephos-resistant strains. The strong bands presumably hydrolyse the insecticides to which the strains are resistant, or their PO analogues. Their substrate specificity was studied with various esters.