Stimulation of Juvenile Hormone Biosynthesis in vitro by Locust Allatotropin

Abstract

In Locusta migratoria the gonotrophic cycles are regulated by juvenile hormone. The cyclical changes of juvenile hormone synthesis in locust corpora allata seem to be regulated by a neuro-hormonal factor. Such an allatotropin could be extracted from corpora cardiaca and brains of Locusta migratoria. It is a small pronase-sensitive and heat-stable peptide. Extract of one corpus cardiacum stimulates corpus allatum biosynthetic activity in vitro 5 to 20-fold.