In vivo studies on the release of hormones from the corpora cardiaca of locusts

Abstract

Sectioning of the afferent nerves (NCCl and NCCll) to the locust corpus cardiacum prevents thein vivo release of adipokinetic hormone from the glandular lobes. This failure to release the hormone during flight and the consequent lack of lipid mobilisation brings about an impairment of flight performance which can be corrected by injections of corpus cardiacum extracts. Sectioning of the NCCl and NCCll reduces markedly the activity of the corpora allata. However, the poor flight performance of allatectomised locusts is not related to an inability to mobilise lipid since injections of corpus cardiacum extract which will mobilise fat body lipid in these locusts have no effect on flight performance. The results of individual sectioning of the NCCl and NCCll suggest that a double innervation of the glandular lobes functionsin vivo to control adipokinetic hormone release but that the NCCl alone may control the release of the diuretic hormone.