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On the control of ecdysone biosynthesis by the central nervous system of blowfly larvae
Author(s) -
Budd Evelyn,
Käuser Gerd,
Koolman Jan
Publication year - 1993
Publication title -
archives of insect biochemistry and physiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.576
H-Index - 66
eISSN - 1520-6327
pISSN - 0739-4462
DOI - 10.1002/arch.940230405
Subject(s) - biology , ecdysone , larva , biosynthesis , central nervous system , zoology , botany , biochemistry , endocrinology , enzyme
Ecdysone was found to be the major secreted steroid of ring glands dissected from blowfly larvae and incubated in vitro. Other secretory products such as 3‐dehydroecdysone and 20‐deoxy‐makisterone A could not be detected when the glands were labelled with tritiated cholesterol. Ecdysone synthesis and secretion were found to be tightly coupled. The highest rate of secretion was observed a few hours before pupariation. In vitro, the rate of ecdysone secretion by ring glands was affected significantly by coincubation with the central nervous system (CNS). Modulating effects from the CNS to the gland were mediated both by culture medium and by nerve connections. Distinct parts of the CNS revealed multiple and partially opposite effects on ecdysone secretion, suggesting a more complex control than had been anticipated. Multiple neural control systems appear to be involved. Moreover, the observed effects changed with development during the second half of the third instar, reflecting a significant plasticity of neural control. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.