Adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate phosphodiesterase activity during development of the insect Ceratitis capitata

Cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase activity was determined in homogenates of the insect Ceratitis capitata at several stages of development. These phosphodiesterase activities are interpreted on the bases of cyclic AMP concentrations and adenyl cyclase activities previously determined at the same stages of development. Variations of both enzyme activities are discussed in relation to the hormonal regulation of post-embryonic development in insects. The experimental results point to the possible existence of two sets of enzymes exhibiting different affinities for the naturally occurring cyclic nucleotides.