Effect of heat shock on protein synthesis in <i>Locusta migratoria</i> epidermis

Abstract

Abstract Heat shock induced by an increase in temperature from 30°C to 47°C led to changes in protein synthesis in wing pads of the fifth larval instar of Locusta migratoria . Synthesis of heat shock proteins in the molecular weight range of 85,000, 70,000 and 18,000–22,000 was first detected at a threshold temperature of 45°C and was found to be highest at 47°C. A marked decline in the synthesis of many other proteins was also evident at 47°C. Recovery of general protein synthesis was observed when wing pads were shifted back to 30°C after a 2‐h heat shock at 47°C. Heat shock protein patterns in Locusta and Drosophila were compared.