STUDIES ON OOECYTE PRODUCTION AND ASSOCIATED HISTOLOGICAL CHANGES IN THE NEURO-ENDOCRINE SYSTEM IN TENEBRIO MOLITOR L

Gonadoinhibitory effects of Neb-colloostatin and Neb-TMOF on ovarian development in the mealworm, Tenebrio molitor L

The gonadostatic action of the peptides Neb-colloostatin (SIVPLGLPVPIGPIVVGPR) and Neb-TMOF (NPTNLH) from Neobellieria bullata was studied in female mealworm Tenebrio molitor. Both peptides potently inhibit ovarian development and terminal oocyte maturation of mated females during their first reproductive cycle. Injection of 4 mug of Neb-colloostatin or Neb-TMOFNeb-TMOF reduced, at day 4 of the cycle, the size of the terminal oocytes to about half or one third of the normal size in saline-injected controls. In addition, follicular patency was arrested. The injections of Neb-colloostatin and Neb-TMOF also caused a delay to the first ovulation and oviposition as well as a reduction of the number of eggs by about 50% in the first 3 days of the oviposition period. At 4 days after adult emergence, none of the peptides had caused significant changes in protein concentration or composition of the haemolymph. However, both peptides reduced total protein content in ovaries and induced qualitative changes in ovarian protein patterns. Electrophoretic analyses indicated that Neb-colloostatin and Neb-TMOF caused a loss of two proteins (150, 180 kDa) and a drastic reduction of 4 others (39, 43, 47, 130 kDa), which are the most abundant ones in ovaries of control females. On the other hand, they increased the concentration of 2 other polypeptides (65, 70 kDa), which normally occur in insignificant quantities in ovaries. Our results indicate that both peptides have a very similar mode of action despite the differences in their amino acid sequence. They seem to interfere with vitellogenin production by the fat body as well as with vitellogen uptake by the oocytes through modification of patency.

Identification of a Sex Pheromone From Male Yellow MealWorm Beetles, Tenebrio molitor

The sex pheromone released by the adult female Tenebrio molitor, 4-methyl-1-nonanol, is well known. In addition, there is evidence that adult males release a pheromone that attracts females. The purpose of the present study was to isolate and identify male-released pheromone(s). Emissions from virgin adult males and females were collected on filter paper and extracted with pentane. Extracts were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. One male-specific compound was detected and identified as (Z)-3-dodecenyl acetate (Z3-12:Ac). In arena bioassays, E3-12:Ac was attractive to females only, at 1 and 10 microg doses. E3-12:Ac was also attractive to females at a 10-microg dose. The presence of both male and female pheromones, each attracting the opposite sex, may contribute to maintaining a high-density population of both sexes.

Cytodifferentiation in the accessory glands of Tenebrio molitor II. Patterns of leucine incorporation in the tubular glands of post-ecdysial adult males

The tubular accessory gland of male mealworm beetles undergoes rapid and progressive terminal differentiation in the 8-day period after ecdysis to the adult. Total protein and RNA content are maximal at five and eight days respectively. Rates of leucine incorporation rise gradually through the first four days and then increase abruptly in the 5-to 7-day interval. SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis demonstrates a variety of proteins; two classes with high mobility (Class A and B) appear prominent in homogenates of 5- to 8-day glands. Double-label procedures show that as the glands mature, an increasing proportion of the total leucine incorporation passes into Class A and B proteins, until at eight days, Class A and B proteins account for 50% of the total for the gland. The relative incorporation into A vs. B also changes linearly over this interval. The developmental program of the tubular gland includes both a linearly biosynthetic increase in the proportion of differentiation-specific proteins and an abrupt change in the overall rates of leucine incorporation.

THE CORPUS ALLATUM AND OÖCYTE MATURATION IN ADELPHOCORIS LINEOLATUS (GOEZE) (HEMIPTERA: MIRIDAE)

The corpus allatum undergoes marked changes in volume and histological appearance during egg maturation in the adult female of Adelphacoris lineolatus (Goeze). The allatum is very active just before yolk is deposited in the developing oöcytes, but activity declines rapidly at oviposition. This activity in the corpus allatum cannot be correlated with cyclical activity in the cerebral neurosecretory cells. Experiments involving removal of the corpus allatum show that the gland is necessary for oöcyte growth. Implantation of active corpora allata into allatectomized females will not restore egg maturation, and the implanted glands lose their secretory ability. It seems that the corpus allatum in this insect must retain anatomical connection with the central nervous system to produce its hormone.

Metabolism of saturated 1-14C-labelled fatty acids in the silkworm Bombyx mori L

1. Only a small percentage of 1-(14)C-labelled saturated fatty acids injected in the silkworm is respired as carbon dioxide. 2. The rate of utilization of fatty acids is low both at the larval and pupal stages. 3. The insect has the ability to elongate C(12) and C(16) saturated fatty acids and to desaturate C(18) saturated fatty acids. 4. Much of the administered radioactivity is found in the triglyceride fraction, followed by the phospholipid and diglyceride fractions. 5. Diglycerides seem to be the transport form of fatty acids. 6. The insect seems to metabolize both natural and unnatural fatty acids in the same manner.