Mating and 20-hydroxyecdysone cause increased galactogen synthesis in the albumen gland explants of Helix aspersa (mollusca)

Abstract

1. 1. Mating causes a significant increase in [ 14G]glucose incorporation into newly synthesized galactogen by albumen gland explants of Helix aspersa. 2. 2. 20-Hydroxyecdysone, irrespective of the concentration used did not increase galactogen synthesis in albumen gland explants in virgin snails. 3. 3. In mated snails immediately following egg-laying, 20-hydroxyecdysone at a concentration of 10 −8M caused significant increase in galactogen synthesis in albumen gland explants. 4. 4. In mated snails prior to egg-laying, a 10 −7 M concentration of 20-hydroxyecdysone was required for the maximum increases of [ 14C]glucose uptake into galactogen. 5. 5. These results suggest that 20-hydroxyecdysone plays a hormonal role in controlling galactogen synthesis in the albumen gland of H. aspersa.