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Corpus allatum function during sexual maturation of male Diploptera punctata
Author(s) -
TOBE STEPHEN S.,
MUSTERS ADRIAN,
STAY BARBARA
Publication year - 1979
Publication title -
physiological entomology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.693
H-Index - 57
eISSN - 1365-3032
pISSN - 0307-6962
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-3032.1979.tb00180.x
Subject(s) - corpus allatum , spermatophore , juvenile hormone , biology , endocrinology , medicine , secretion , hormone , zoology , mating
. The effect of allatectomy on synthesis of accessory reproductive gland secretion, spermatophore production and sexual behaviour in male Diploptera punctata was investigated during the first 6 weeks of adult life. After allatectomy, synthesis of the secretion and production of spermatophores was slightly reduced relative to sham‐operated animals (by 16%), but not relative to normal animals. However, sexual behaviour of the operated animals appeared normal. Thus, the corpora allata (CA) may not be necessary for the sexual functioning of male D.punctata. The synthesis of C 16 juvenile hormone (C 16 JH; JH III) by isolated pairs of CA from individual males was followed during this period and, at all times, the rate of synthesis was less than 8pmolh ‐1 per pair, a rate similar to that observed in pregnant females. The significance of this continued synthesis of JH by male CA is unknown, although it may be related to the maintenance of general metabolic activities.