Abstract
The mosquito Aedes atropalpus is autogenous, i.e., normal ovarian development proceeds in adult females without any exogenous source of protein. Using a radioimmunoassay (RIA) for ecdysone, it was found that the titer of antigen-positive material in whole-body extracts of adult females rose from about 150 pg equiv of β-ecdysone per female at eclosion to an average peak value of 323 pg 32 hr later. The titer then dropped to approximately 100 pg over the next 16 hr. A comparison of the RIA titer with follicle size, vitellin deposition into oocytes, and total extractable soluble proteins from ovaries suggested a causal relationship between the hormone titer and normal ovarian development. Preliminary data also suggest that the ovary is a source of ecdysteroid in these adult animals. Decapitation of adult females from 0 to 4 hr after eclosion completely prevented ovarian development. Animals decapitated 30 min after eclosion and then assayed for ecdysteroid content 32 hr later revealed a hormonal titer 75% less than normal intact controls. An analysis of the 32-hr RIA-positive material by high-pressure liquid chromatography confirmed the presence of β-ecdysone but did not detect any α-ecdysone. Ovarian deficiencies incurred by decapitation were partially restored by injection with β-ecdysone or by topical application of juvenile hormone.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
