七星瓢虫卵黄原蛋白基因的表达:保幼激素类似物对mRNA的诱导

在七星瓢虫(Coccinella septempunctata)中,保幼激素调控脂肪体中卵黄原蛋白基因的表达。蛋白质合成实验证明,保幼激素类似物大幅度地促进取食人工饲料的雌虫脂肪体中卵黄原蛋白的合成。保幼激素类似物的作用有高度选择性,使卵黄原蛋白占总蛋白的百分比提高12倍。取食人工饲料的雌虫中,脂肪体RNA含量及其转译活性均极低,转译产物中不存在卵黄原蛋白多肽。保幼激素类似物能显著提高脂肪体RNA的含量及其中可转译mRNA的水平。处理后的雌虫,象蚜虫饲养的成熟雌虫一样,其脂肪体RNA能在体外转译系统中指导卵黄原蛋白多肽的合成,并在变性琼脂糖凝胶电泳上显示一条高分子量的带(约5100核苷酸),初步鉴定为卵黄原蛋白mRNA。由此证明,保幼激素类似物能诱导卵黄原蛋白mRNA的出现和积累。     

七星瓢虫卵黄原蛋白基因的表达:保幼激素类似物对mRNA的诱导

在七星瓢虫(Coccinella septempunctata)中,保幼激素调控脂肪体中卵黄原蛋白基因的表达.蛋白质合成实验证明,保幼激素类似物大幅度地促进取食人工饲料的雌虫脂肪体中卵黄原蛋白的合成.保幼激素类似物的作用有高度选择性,使卵黄原蛋白占总蛋白的百分比提高12倍.取食人工饲料的雌虫中,脂肪体RNA含量及其转译活性均极低,转译产物中不存在卵黄原蛋白多肽.保幼激素类似物能显著提高脂肪体RNA的含量及其中可转译mRNA的水平.处理后的雌虫,象蚜虫饲养的成熟雌虫一样,其脂肪体RNA能在体外转译系统中指导卵黄原蛋白多肽的合成,并在变性琼脂糖凝胶电泳上显示一条高分子量的带(约5100核苷酸),初步鉴定为卵黄原蛋白mRNA.由此证明,保幼激素类似物能诱导卵黄原蛋白mRNA的出现和积累.     

七星瓢虫雌成虫咽侧体的活性

以短期体外放射化学测定法测定了七星瓢虫雌成虫的咽侧体(CA)活性。结果表明,七星瓢虫的CA在TC 199培养液中培养时活性最高。在最适培养条件下CA合成保幼激素(JH)的速度在1—4小时呈直线增加。 七星瓢虫雌虫生殖期CA的活性变化与卵黄发生有相关性。羽化初期CA活性很低,羽化后4—8天CA活性增加,卵母细胞内卵黄沉积开始增多;羽化后8—12天CA活性高峰出现,此时卵母细胞内有大量卵黄沉积;羽化后12—15天CA活性下降,卵完全成熟并陆续出现产卵个体。 食料对七星瓢虫成虫的卵黄发生的影响:取食人工饲料雌虫的CA活性增长缓慢,直至羽化后15天CA活性仍很低,因而抑制了卵黄原蛋白的合成,使卵巢发育缓慢。此种雌虫中CA活性高峰的出现比取食蚜虫的延迟约2倍,前者的产卵前期也较后者延长约2倍。     

七星瓢虫的卵黄发生:卵黄原蛋白的发生和取食代饲料的影响

1.用凝胶电泳和免疫扩散法研究了七星瓢虫成虫脂肪体、血淋巴和卵巢中总蛋白和卵黄原蛋白的含量变化和相互关系。查明七星瓢虫和某些被研究过的昆虫一样,卵黄原蛋白在脂肪体内合成,释放到血淋巴,然后被发育的卵母细胞摄取。 2.系统观察了七星瓢虫成虫血淋巴中卵黄原蛋白和产卵的关系。在适温下取食蚜虫的成虫多数在羽化后四天血淋巴中出现卵黄原蛋白,十天后开始产卵,如食料适宜,在整个产卵期,血淋巴中卵黄原蛋白的水平较高。 3.对比了取食不同饲料的个体中脂肪体和卵巢鲜重的变化。对取食代饲料的产卵与不产卵个体的脂肪体、血淋巴、卵巢进行了分析比较。讨论了取食代饲料的部分个体不产卵的原因。 4.保幼激素类似物ZR-512促进卵黄原蛋白的合成,使取食代饲料不产卵个体的血淋巴中卵黄原蛋白的含量明显提高。     

成虫滞育的主要特点及神经内分泌调控

成虫滞育的主要特点是生殖受到了抑制,其调控涉及到咽侧体、脑和前胸腺的作用,但主要以咽侧体的作用为主.滞育期间,咽侧体的活性很低,分泌的保幼激素量极微,而咽侧体的活性高低直接受脑所分泌的神经激素所调控.     

七星瓢虫的卵黄发生:植入雄虫的卵巢中卵黄原蛋白的合成

为了证实七星瓢虫的卵巢能合成卵黄原蛋白, 并查明雄虫体内是否具有卵黄发生所必需的激素环境, 我们将刚羽化雌虫的一侧卵巢或数个卵巢管植入雄虫体内.移植的卵巢或卵巢管在雄虫体内能够发育, 其卵母细胞能沉积卵黄, 一部分可达成熟.体外培养证明移植的卵巢可合成卵黄原蛋白, 但受体雄虫的脂肪体不合成卵黄原蛋白, 而且其血淋巴中也不存在这种蛋白.用保幼激素类似物ZR-512处理受体雄虫, 可促进移植卵巢的发育, 但不能诱导其脂肪体合成卵黄原蛋白.此结果表明, 象大多数昆虫一样, 七星瓢虫的卵黄发生的性二型现象表现在激素的靶组织——脂肪体, 而不是激素本身.     

七星瓢虫卵黄原蛋白基因的表达mRNA的体外转译

七星瓢虫成熟雌虫脂肪体总RNA和poly(A)~+RNA中可转译mRNA的水平约为雄虫和不成熟雌虫的两倍,其中所含的卵黄原蛋白mRNA可在体外转译系统中指导卵黄原蛋白多肽的合成。 雌虫取食人工饲料时,其脂肪体RNA中可转译mRNA的水平很低,不能指导卵黄原蛋白多肽的合成。保幼激素类似物能诱导可转译卵黄原蛋白mRNA的出现。     

七星瓢虫的卵黄发生:保幼激素类似物对卵黄原蛋白合成的调节

本文用脂肪体体外培养方法,研究了取食天然食物和基础人工饲料的七星瓢虫雌虫中卵黄原蛋白、其他分泌蛋白和RNA合成的发育期变化,以及保幼激素类似物ZR-512的调节作用。结果表明:(1)取食蚜虫的雌虫脂肪体羽化后3天即开始合成卵黄原蛋白。11天时合成急剧上升,13天到达最高峰。脂肪体RNA的合成随发育天数而逐渐上升,第9天出现高峰。(2)取食基础人工饲料的雌虫脂肪体合成卵黄原蛋白的能力很弱;在羽化后20天内一直停留在极低的水平,所合成的卵黄原蛋白仅为取食蚜虫时合成高峰的3%。其他分泌蛋白的合成被抑制的程度小得多。脂肪体的RNA合成也一直比较低。(3)取食基础人工饲料的雌虫点滴或喂食ZR-512后,卵黄原蛋白的合成在高峰期比对照组分别增加44倍和67倍。而其他分泌蛋白的合成仅比对照组提高近3倍,表明保幼激素对卵黄原蛋白合成有特别明显的促进作用。激素处理后脂肪体RNA的合成比对照组提高6—7倍,证明保幼激素作用于转录水平。     

保幼激素及其代谢产物的HPLC分离方法的改进和应用

传统的正相高效液相色谱（normal phase high performance liquid chromatography, NP-HPLC）可以较好地分离保幼激素（juvenile hormone, JH）Ⅰ、Ⅱ和Ⅲ,但不能分离保幼激素的代谢产物及其类似物。经过改进的反相高效液相色谱（reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography, RP-HPLC）不仅可以很好地分离保幼激素,还能定性定量分析保幼激素的代谢产物及其类似物。离体培养昆虫咽侧体（corpora allata, CA）所合成的、被同位素标记的痕量保幼激素可以用以上两种色谱方法进行分离和鉴定。此外,RP-HPLC还可以用来分离体内或体外同位素标记的保幼激素代谢产物,以及测量血淋巴中的保幼激素滴度。     

外源保幼激素类似物对七星瓢虫血淋巴中卵黄原蛋白含量的影响

本文以不同剂量的保幼激素(JH)类似物点滴七星瓢虫雌虫,测定了生殖过程中卵母细胞的长度及血淋巴中卵黄原蛋白(Vg)及总蛋白的含量.结果表朋:1.点滴不同剂量ZR-512于虫体后,皆可促进卵母细胞生长,尤以点滴100μg效果最为明显.2.点滴ZR-512后可以促进Vg合成,血淋巴中Vg含量皆明显提高,以点滴100μg效果最好.3.点滴不同剂量ZR-512后,雌虫血淋巴中总蛋白含量变化与Vg含量变化的规律相似.4.血淋巴中的Vg含量与卵母细胞长度有一定相关性.另外,讨论了不同剂量外源JH类似物对CA活性、内源JH水平、Vg含量以及卵母细胞生长的影响.     

FACTORS AFFECTING CORPORA ALLATA ACTIVITY IN THE ADULT LADY BEETLE COCCINELLA SEPTEMPUNCTATA L.

Abstract Corpora allata are the defined site of juvenile hormone (JH) biosynthesis in reproductive adult insects and their activity is regulated by intrinsic and extrinsic factors. In the adult lady beetle Coccinella septempunctata , it has been well established that the development of ovaries is controlled by JH (Guan 1987). The present study aims at the elucidation of the influence of some factors regulating reproduction of the lady beetle. They include topical application of JH analogues, presence of neuropeptides in the extract from the brain, as well as the development of ovary and type of food on CA activity. JH synthesis in CA is monitored with radiochemical assay and immunoelectrophoresis.     

七星瓢虫雌成虫卵巢发育不同阶段体内保幼激素的含量

本文以大蜡螟Galleria mellonella(L.)为生测昆虫,应用蜡测定法(Wax test)测定了取食天然食物及人工饲料的七星瓢虫雌成虫在不同卵巢发育阶段体内保幼激素(JH)的含量。取食蚜虫者羽化后8日左右(卵巢管内出现第三卵母细胞,卵黄大量沉积即将排卵),雅虫JH含量达到高峰(593.3G.U.),但一经开始排卵(羽化后约10日左右)保幼激素的含量猛然下降。直至持续产卵达10次的雌虫(羽化后约25日)JH含量仍保持在比较平稳的状态。取食人工饲料者卵巢发育缓慢,羽化30日后不产卵个体的JH水平仍很低,仅及取食蚜虫组高峰的1/6。这一结果证实了JH对七星瓢虫雌成虫卵巢发育及排卵的调控,也指出了取食人工饲料的雌虫产卵率及产卵量明显偏低的重要原因。 在应用蜡测法的过程中肯定了JH浓度与大蜡螟蛾中胸背板保持的部分蛹皮面积之部的关系。     

Nutritional regulation of JH synthesis: a mechanism to control reproductive maturation in mosquitoes?

Juvenile hormone (JH) titers must be modulated to permit the normal progress of development and reproduction in mosquitoes. In adult female Aedes aegypti, JH levels are low at adult eclosion, elevated in sugar-fed females and low again after a blood meal. Although degradation plays a role, JH titer is fundamentally determined by the rate of biosynthesis in the corpora allata gland (CA). CA from newly eclosed females (0-1 h after emergence) exhibit a very low basal JH biosynthetic activity, Aedes-allatotropin stimulates the CA in newly emerged females to produce JH. There is a correlation between nutritional reserves at adult emergence (teneral reserves) and CA activity. JH synthesis is significantly reduced in teneral females that emerge with low nutritional reserves. Taking a blood meal results in a reduction of CA activity. The biosynthetic activity of Ae. aegypti CA is significantly inhibited by factors present in the head, as well as by Anopheles gambiae PISCF-allatostatin. Nutritional signals affect the release of allatotropin and allatostatins by the brain resulting in the activation or inhibition of JH synthesis. JH is therefore an important part of a transduction mechanism that connects changes in the nutritional status with activation of specific physiological events during reproduction.     

Change in corpus allatum function during metamorphosis of the tobacco hornworm Manduca sexta: Regulation at the terminal step in juvenile hormone biosynthesis

Changes in activity of the corpora allata (CA) during larval-pupal-adult development of the tobacco hornworm Manduca sexta were studied by transplantation assays, measurements of in vitro juvenile hormone (JH) and JH acid synthesis, and determination of JH acid methyltransferase (JHAMT) and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase activities. The data from these assays demonstrate that the CA cease to secrete JH by day 4 of the last larval instar (wandering stage). With regard to JH synthesis, they remain inactive throughout the prepupal, pupal, and most of the pharate adult periods. CA of females, but not of males, resume JH synthesis shortly before eclosion. The biochemical basis of the inactivation process is the loss of JHAMT activity. However, prepupal CA produce JH acids, as shown by enzyme and in vitro assays. Pupal and pharate adult CA do not synthesize JH acids although levels of HMG-CoA reductase activity seem to remain relatively high. Radiolabeled JH was recovered from hemolymph of allatectomized prepupae that had been injected with radiolabeled JH acid. These results provide further evidence that certain peripheral tissues (eg, imaginal discs) convert JH acid secreted by the prepupal CA to JH and, thus, that JH acid is a prohormone in the prepupal period. The CA change from hormone secretion to prohormone secretion during larval-prepupal transformation, a unique functional alteration in an endocrine gland.     

20-hydroxyecdysone stimulation of juvenile hormone biosynthesis by the mosquito corpora allata

Juvenile hormone III (JH) is synthesized by the corpora allata (CA) and plays a key role in mosquito development and reproduction. JH titer decreases in the last instar larvae allowing pupation and metamorphosis to progress. As the anti-metamorphic role of JH comes to an end, the CA of the late pupa (or pharate adult) becomes again “competent” to synthesize JH, which plays an essential role orchestrating reproductive maturation. 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) prepares the pupae for ecdysis, and would be an ideal candidate to direct a developmental program in the CA of the pharate adult mosquito. In this study, we provide evidence that 20E acts as an age-linked hormonal signal, directing CA activation in the mosquito pupae. Stimulation of the inactive brain-corpora allata-corpora cardiaca complex (Br-CA-CC) of the early pupa (24 h before adult eclosion or −24 h) in vitro with 20E resulted in a remarkable increase in JH biosynthesis, as well as increase in the activity of juvenile hormone acid methyltransferase (JHAMT). Addition of methyl farnesoate but not farnesoic acid also stimulated JH synthesis by the Br-CA-CC of the −24 h pupae, proving that epoxidase activity is present, but not JHAMT activity. Separation of the CA-CC complex from the brain (denervation) in the −24 h pupae also activated JH synthesis. Our results suggest that an increase in 20E titer might override an inhibitory effect of the brain on JH synthesis, phenocopying denervation. All together these findings provide compelling evidence that 20E acts as a developmental signal that ensures proper reactivation of JH synthesis in the mosquito pupae.     

Cyclic volumetric changes in corpus allatum cells in relation to juvenile hormone biosynthesis during ovarian cycles in cockroaches

Development and activity of the corpora allata (CA) were investigated in adult female Blattella germanica and Supella longipalpa. These two cockroach species differ in their reproductive modes, with relatively uninterrupted cycles of oocyte development in S. longipalpa and discrete patterns of oocyte development which are interrupted by pregnancy in B. germanica. During ovarian cycles in both cockroach species, elevated rates of juvenile hormone (JH) synthesis closely coincide with synchronous volumetric growth of the CA. Declines in CA activity before ovulation coincide with synchronous declines in the size of CA cells. However, in adult females of both species the number of CA cells remains relatively constant. Quantitative studies in normal and ovariectomized adult B. germanica females show that the volumetric changes in CA cells are paced and synchronized by ovarian factors. Without the ovaries, the enlargement of CA cells in newly eclosed females is slower and relatively asynchronous. Without an ootheca in ovariectomized females, the volume of CA cells fails to decline synchronously, resulting in variable but high rates of JH synthesis. The precise relationship between volume of CA cells and-JH biosynthesis in oviparous and viviparous cockroaches suggests that in cockroaches, cell volume, and not CA cell number, is a better predictor of JH biosynthetic activity. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Ecdysis triggering hormone ensures proper timing of juvenile hormone biosynthesis in pharate adult mosquitoes

Juvenile hormones (JHs) are synthesized by the corpora allata (CA) and play a key role in insect development. A decrease of JH titer in the last instar larvae allows pupation and metamorphosis to proceed. As the anti-metamorphic role of JH comes to an end, the CA of the late pupa (or pharate adult) becomes again “competent” to synthesize JH, which would play an essential role orchestrating reproductive maturation. In the present study, we provide evidence that ecdysis triggering hormone (ETH), a key endocrine factor involved in ecdysis control, acts as an allatotropic regulator of JH biosynthesis, controlling the exact timing of CA activation in the pharate adult mosquito. Analysis of the expression of Aedes aegypti ETH receptors (AeaETHRs) revealed that they are present in the CA and the corpora cardiaca (CC), and their expression peaks 4 h before eclosion. In vitro stimulation of the pupal CA glands with ETH resulted in an increase in JH synthesis. Consistent with this finding, silencing AeaETHRs by RNA interference (RNAi) in pupa resulted in reduced JH synthesis by the CA of one day-old adult females. Stimulation with ETH resulted in increases in the activity of juvenile hormone acid methyltransferase (JHAMT), a key JH biosynthetic enzyme. Furthermore, inhibition of IP₃R-operated mobilization of endoplasmic reticulum Ca²⁺ stores prevented the ETH-dependent increases of JH biosynthesis and JHAMT activity. All together these findings provide compelling evidence that ETH acts as a regulatory peptide that ensures proper developmental timing of JH synthesis in pharate adult mosquitoes.     

The effect of enforced virginity and subsequent mating on the activity of the corpus allatum of Periplaneta americana measured in vitro, as related to changes in the rate of ovarian maturation

ABSTRACT. Female P. americana, reared with males from the time of adult emergence, mated on the 4th–5th day after metamorphosis, produced the first ootheca on the 8th or 9th day, and then produced successive oothecae at intervals of 3.0 days, whereas, only 50% of virgin females had produced their first ootheca by the 28th day after adult emergence. Examination of the ovaries indicated that oocyte development is normal in virgins until shortly after the time when they first become receptive to males. When mating was not allowed there was a dramatic reduction in the rate of vitellogenic growth of the terminal batch of oocytes which persisted until mating was allowed, and was often accompanied by resorption of a percentage of the oocytes. Short-term, in vitro, radiochemical assay of juvenile hormone (JH III) biosynthesis by corpora allata (CA) showed that, in females reared with males, the cycles of ovarian development are accompanied by regular pulses of CA activity. There is a small, possibly preparatory peak of JH III biosynthesis before vitellogenesis of the first wave of oocytes, followed by a larger peak of JH III production during vitellogenesis of this batch of eggs and one peak of CA activity between ovulation of each subsequent wave of oocytes. Activities as low as 0.25 pmol C₁₆JH/CA pair/h and as high as 48.38 pmol/CA pair/h were observed in CA from mated females after the onset of cyclic activity. Stimuli received during mating are somehow responsible for the cyclic activity of the CA, for when females were subjected to enforced virginity the first small peak was normal but the second peak was not fully realized and there was then a gradual decline in CA activity until approximately 2 weeks post-emergence. Thereafter the glands exhibited a more or less constant rate of JH biosynthesis (mean = 3.45 ± 0.32 pmol/CA pair/h.) When females were mated after 21 days of enforced virginity the activity of the CA was enhanced. By 48 h after mating the mean glandular activity was at least four times that found in virgins of the same age, and by 72 h rates as high as 40 pmol/CA pair/h were observed. This was followed by normal cyclic activity of the CA. The increase in rate of JH biosynthesis appears to result in a recommencement of oocyte development in these ‘delayed-mated’ females.     

Juvenile hormone biosynthesis and oocyte development in adult female Blattella germanica: Effects of grouping and mating

The roles of grouping and mating in modulating the activity of the corpora allata (CA) in adult female cockroaches were investigated using the in vitro radiochemical assay of juvenile hormone (JH) biosynthesis. Isolated virgin females have longer, asynchronous cycles of CA activity and oocyte maturation than do isolated females mated on day 8. Three factors were identified as the major contributors to this difference: (1) an experimental artifact of selection for sexually receptive females, (2) a positive effect of grouping on JH synthesis and oocyte maturation, and (3) a positive effect of copulation on oviposition and retention of the ootheca. Mated females constitute a subpopulation of receptive females that differ significantly from other females by having higher rates of JH synthesis prior to mating. The relative importance of such selection is substantial when the rate of mating is low, as in experiments with isolated females that are exposed to males for a short period of time. Long-term exposure of females to males introduces a grouping effect, which obscures any additional effect of mating on CA activity and oocyte development. However, mating influences ootheca formation and its retention. The effect of grouping can be mimicked in isolated females by transection of the nerves connecting the CA–corpora cardiaca complex to the brain, suggesting that in this insect isolation causes brain inhibition of the CA, and grouping provides disinhibitory stimuli that release the CA from brain inhibition.