Hormones and excretion in locusts

Abstract

Hormones present within the cerebral neurosecretory cell-corpus cardiacum complex exert both diuretic and antidiuretic effects upon the excretory system. The Malpighian tubules and rectum respond to the diuretic hormone, which increases fluid secretion by the tubules and reduces rectal reabsorption. The antidiuretic hormone increases rectal reabsorption but has little effect upon tubule function. Feeding is of prime importance in regulating the release of the diuretic hormone; the control of release of antidiuretic hormone is not yet understood. Locusts remain in water balance under a variety of environmental conditions by the regulation of their fecal water content. This regulation is exercised by the diuretic and antidiuretic hormones. The diuretic hormone may increase fluid secretion by Malpighian tubules by increasing the intracellular levels of cyclic 3′,5′-AMP. The nature and number of hormonal factors present in the cerebral endocrine system and the ventral nerve cord are discussed.