Degradation of Ddt by Resistant and Susceptible Strains of House Flies1

Abstract

It has been demonstrated by Sternburg et al, (1950) and Perry and Hoskins (1950) that certain strains of DDT-resistant house flies have an abnormal facility to degrade DDT to its non-toxic metabolite DDE (1, 1-dichloro-2, 2-bis (p-chlorophenyl) ethylene). The difference between susceptible and resistant strains is so great in this respect that it would seem to be a major factor in the explanation of the nature of DDT-resistance. It seemed that further studies on the metabolism of DDT by the two strains of flies might lead to a clarification of the significance of DDT-degradation in relation to the acquisition of DDT-resistance and at the same time contribute much needed information on the mode of action of DDT. The previous work indicated the need for information concerning the site or sites at which DDT is degraded in resistant flies. It also seemed desirable to extend the studies on DDT metabolism to stages other than the adult.