Influence of the Corpus Allatum on the Oxygen Consumption of Adult Calliphora Erythrocephala Meig

Abstract

1. The possible influence of the corpus allatum on the metabolism of adult Calliphora erythrocephala was studied by measuring the oxygen consumption of allatectomized females and males by means of the Warburg apparatus. 2. As a basis for the experiments on operated flies, the oxygen consumption of normal unoperated females and males was measured. The oxygen consumption of the two sexes was found to be of the same order. 3. In the females allatectomy resulted in a decrease in the oxygen consumption of 24%. 4. Implantation of three corpora allata from females into females which retained their own corpus allatum increased the oxygen consumption by 19%. 5. In the males allatectomy likewise caused a reduction in the oxygen consumption, but the exact amount of the decrease was somewhat difficult to evaluate owing to a great number of abnormally high values in the operated controls. 6. Implantation of three corpora allata from males into males which retained their own corpus allatum did not raise the oxygen consumption. A possible cause of this negative result is discussed. 7. It was thus found that the corpus allatum is necessary for the normal metabolism of Calliphora.