High Temperature Induced Antioxidant Status in the Diapausing Pupae of Tasar Silkworm, Antheraea Mylitta Drury

Antioxidant levels in the haemolymph and fat bodies were studied in the diapausing pupae of tasar silkworm, Antheraea mylitta Drury exposed to high temperature (37° C) for a period of 15 days and compared with that of control (kept at 25°±3°C). Protein, ascorbic acid and glutathione content in the fat body and haemolymph tissues were found to increase due to high temperature. Reduction in lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde =>MDA content) in the fat body tissue showed a protective mechanism to limit the tissue oxidation. The results suggest that, high temperature induces antioxidant status of the pupae of tasar silkworm A. mylitta Drury.