Physiology and Biochemistry of Insect Moulting Fluid

Abstract

This chapter discusses the physiology and biochemistry of insect moulting fluid. The chapter focuses on the developmental programme of moulting towards the synthesis of the new cuticle. The degradation of the old cuticle by moulting fluid is an essential part of the moulting process that has been much less intensively studied. The processes of secretion, activation, enzymic action, and resorption of insect moulting fluid have parallels elsewhere in animal physiology and biochemistry. It is discussed that the action of the moulting fluid in degrading an extracellular matrix is a useful model for connective tissue remodelling and some types of inflammation in mammals. The simple spatial arrangement of the cells that secrete the moulting fluid, the fluid itself and the matrix that is attacked might be particularly helpful in this regard. The accessibility of the moulting fluid for sampling; the predictable sequence of the moulting fluid secretion, activation and resorption; and its regulation by hormones may also offer an unparalleled experimental opportunity for the student of connective tissue degradation. Moreover, since disruption of moulting is a proven method of killing insects, more attention devoted to the study of the moulting fluid physiology and biochemistry might lead to the discovery of novel safer methods of insect pest control.