Initial defensive secretory compounds emitted from the live millipede and the induction of apoptotic cell death

The initial defensive secretory compounds emitted from a live millipede have not yet been clarified. This study focused on elucidating the initial secretory compounds emitted from a live millipede. Pre-concentration of the defensive secretory volatile organic compounds (VOC) from the live Polidesmida millipedes, Chamberlinius hualienensis and Oxidus gracilis, was performed using a three-stage VOC concentration technique by an on-line GC/MS system. As a result, the monoterpenes derived from the plant metabolite; i.e., α-pinene, α-thujene, β-pinene, 3-carene, β-myrcene, β-phellandrene, γ-terpinene, o,m,p-cymenes, limonene and camphene were first detected as the initial secretory substances. It was elucidated that some plant monoterpenes have a repellent effect and antifungal and antibacterial actions which are used as defensive substances. In addition, this study also confirmed that these monoterpenes induced apoptotic cell death involved in the induction of the caspase 3/7 activity. The millipede feeds on fallen or withered leaves containing the monoterpenes. Thus, the millipede accumulates the plant defensive secretions in the exocrine defense glands of the body somites, which would be used as against predators.