Schizophyllum commune induced oxidative stress and immunosuppressive activity in Spodoptera litura

Abstract Background: In a search for the mechanism of action of an endophytic fungus Schizophyllum commune against Spodoptera litura, the effect of its ethyl acetate extract was judged on antioxidant and detoxifying enzymes as well as on morphology of haemocytes. Results: Ethyl acetate extract of S.commune was administrated to the larvae of S.litura using artificial diet method having concentration 276.54µg/ml (LC50 of fungus). The effect on antioxidant and detoxifying enzymes (Catalase, Ascorbate peroxidase, Superoxide dismutase, Glutathione-S-Transferase) was observed using haemolymph and midgut of insect larvae for different time intervals (24, 48, 72 and 96). In additionally, haemocytes morphology was also studied using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) after 96hr. In particular, to resist the toxicity, the activities of the antioxidant and detoxifying enzymes (Catalase, Ascorbate peroxidase, Superoxide dismutase, Glutathione-S-Transferase) significantly (p≤0.05) increased in both the tissues of treated larvae as compared to control. The exposed group revealed various deformities in haemocytes of S.litura like breakage in the cell membrane, cytoplasmic leakage and appearance of strumae etc. Conclusion: This study provides important information regarding the oxidative stress causing potential and immunosuppressant nature of S.commune against S.litura and elucidates the patterns of antioxidant and detoxifying enzymes activities and changes in haemocytes in the susceptible larvae.