Inhibition of juvenile hormone III biosynthesis by fluoromevalonolactone and citronellyl phenyl imidazoles in isolated corpora allata from the cockroach Periplaneta americana

1-Citronellyl-5-phenyl imidazole (1,5-CPI), 1-citronellyl-4-phenyl imidazole (1,4-CPI) and 1-citronellyl-2-phenyl imidazole (1,2-CPI) were tested as inhibitors of JH-III biosynthesis in vitro. 1,5-CPI was found to be most active followed by 1,2-CPI. The least active isomer was 1,4-CPI. Inhibition of JH biosynthesis by 1,5-CPI resulted in no significant accumulation of the epoxidation substrate methyl farnesoate, and piperonyl butoxide, a known microsomal epoxidase inhibitor, produced only a slight increase in methyl farnesoate. Topical application of fluoromevalonolactone resulted in reduced biosynthetic capability of subsequently excised corpora allata.     

Juvenile hormone III biosynthesis by the larval corpora allata of Manduca sexta

A radioimmunoassay (RIA) for juvenile hormone III has been established which quantifies the biosynthesis of this hormone in vitro by the corpora allata of larvae and pupae of the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta. The specificity of the RIA for homologues and metabolites of juvenile hormone III was determined and it was found that the antibody was specific for juvenile hormone III and its acid. The juvenile hormone III RIA activity synthesized in vitro by corpora allata from day-5 last-instar larvae was identified as juvenile hormone III by high pressure liquid chromatography. The kinetics of hormone synthesis by corpora allata from selected stages during larval-pupal development revealed differential rates of synthesis, suggesting that juvenile hormone III may have a hormonal function in the larva and that regulation of its synthesis may occur. The significance of these developmental fluctuations in rates of juvenile hormone III synthesis by the corpora allata is discussed in relation to the haemolymph titres of the hormone.     

Ultrastructural localization of juvenile hormone biosynthesis by insect corpora allata

Summary The conversion of exogenous ³H-farnesenic acid to ³H-methyl farnesoate and ³H-C₁₆ juvenile hormone (JH) has been followed in the corpus allatum (CA) cells of the desert locust Schistocerca gregaria by means of electron microscopic autoradiography. Aerobic and anaerobic chase incubations have been used to modify the quantities of these three compounds within the CA cells. Under all incubation conditions, radiolabel is found associated almost exclusively with the subcellular membrane systems — smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER) and Golgi elements —and with the mitochondria. CA cells are probably similar to vertebrate steroid-synthesizing cells in that the secretory product is synthesized in the SER and mitochondria.Radiolabel was found to be present in all cells of the CA suggesting that all cells are capable of at least the final two stages of JH biosynthesis (the esterification and epoxidation of ³H-farnesenic aid). This indicates that JH biosynthesis may be regulated through changes in the biosynthetic capabilities of individual cells rather than through changes in the total number of cells engaged in biosynthesis. Radiolabel was not observed to be associated with any distinctive cellular product, a result which provides additional evidence for the suggestion that the release of JH from the CA is governed by laws of simple physical diffusion.Supported by operating grants from the National Research Council of Canada to SST and ASMS. ³H-farnesenic acid was supplied by the late Dr. A.F. White of the Unit of Invertebrate Chemistry and Physiology, A.R.C., University of Sussex. We thank Dr. G.E. Pratt for helpful discussions     

Degradation of juvenile hormone and methylation of juvenile hormone acid by corpora cardiaca–corpora allata of the cockroach,Nauphoeta cinerea: I. Biochemical aspects

Corpora cardiaca-corpora allata (CC-CA) from vitellogenic females of Nauphoeta cinerea degraded, in vitro, racemic and (10R)-juvenile hormone III (JH III) at a rate of 249 pmol/CC-CA/h and 786 pmol/CC-CA/h, respectively. The major metabolite formed was JH III acid, together with some highly polar products. CC-CA homogenates degraded racemic JH III to a small extent, whereas (10R)-JH III was degraded efficiently to JH III acid. No highly polar products were formed by CC-CA homogenates. When CC-CA were incubated with racemic JH III acid, some of this substance was degraded to highly polar products, and a minor part was methylated to JH III. CC degraded very little JH III acid and did not methylate it to JH III. CC-CA homogenates methylated JH III acid very efficiently; we measured an apparent K_max of 37.8 μM and a V_max of 1,260 pmol/4 h/ CC-CA equivalent. The addition of JH III acid to CC-CA in vitro increased the rate of biosynthesis of JH III, as determined by measuring incorporation of methyl[¹⁴C]methionine into JH III. These data indicate that the metabolite JH III acid can enter the CA and be methylated to JH III.     

Ultrastructural changes in corpora allata during a cycle of juvenile hormone biosynthesis in embryos of the viviparous cockroach, Diploptera punctata

We have observed changes with time in the fine structure of corpora allata (CA) during a known cycle of increasing and decreasing juvenile hormone (JH) synthesis in late embryos of Diploptera punctata. A previous report showed that rates of JH release were relatively low in 28-day-old embryos, but CA activity subsequently rose linearly to a peak on about day 42, and thereafter steadily declined to a low level on day 64 just before birth (Holbrook et al., 1997). We now show that, regardless of rate of JH synthesis, CA cells are large and replete with organelles which nevertheless exhibit variable morphology in embryos of different age. Highly active CA cells on day 40 contain abundant ring-form mitochondria, whereas CA cells of low activity on days 28 and 64 contain mitochondria that are rod-shaped or globular. Mitochondrial cristae were scarce and indistinct on day 28 but numerous and well developed on day 64. Endoplasmic reticula (ER) are rare on day 28 and appear in increasing numbers when CA activity rises. On day 40, ER are abundant and often exhibit a whorl-like appearance which is not observed on day 28. After day 44, when biosynthetic activity is declining, whorls of ER gradually decrease in number and are ultimately replaced by vesicular smooth ER on day 64. Neurosecretions are found only after day 38, by which time rates of JH synthesis have increased substantially from those of day 28. Except for membranous autophagic vacuoles, which are frequently found when ER whorls disintegrate as rates of JH synthesis decline toward birth, most autophagic vesicles such as multivesicular vesicles and dense bodies occur only sporadically among CA cells at all examined ages. We conclude that synchronous autophagy of exhausted organelles, which results in atrophy of CA cells and long-term arrest of JH synthesis in adult females of D. punctata, does not occur in embryos. The slow cyclic change in rate of JH synthesis in embryonic CA is most likely due to asynchronous autophagic activity and to alterations in certain unique features of intracellular organelles.     

Inhibition of the corpora allata of last-instar male larvae of the cockroach, Diploptera punctata

Normal rates of juvenile hormone synthesis, cell number and volume of corpora allata were measured in penultimate and final-instar male larvae of Diploptera punctata. The rate of juvenile hormone synthesis per corpus allatum cell was highest on the 4th day of the penultimate stadium, declined slowly for the remainder of that stadium, and rapidly after the first day of the final stadium.Regulation of the corpora allata in final-instar males was studied by experimental manipulation of the corpora allata followed by in vitro radiochemical assay of juvenile hormone synthesis. Nervous inhibition of the corpora allata during the final stadium is suggested by the observation that rates of juvenile hormone synthesis increased following denervation of the corpora allata at the start of the stadium; this operation induced a supernumerary larval instar. Juvenile hormone synthesis by corpora allata denervated at progressively later ages in the final stadium and assayed after 4 days decreased with age at operation. This suggests an increasingly unfavourable humoral environment in the final stadium, which was confirmed by the low rate of juvenile hormone synthesis of adult female corpora allata implanted into final-instar larvae. Thus, inhibitory factors or lack of stimulatory factors in the haemolymph may act with neural inhibition to suppress juvenile hormone synthesis in final-instar males.     

Control of C-16 juvenile hormone biosynthesis in active corpora allata of female African locusts

Summary

Corpora allata from 8-day-old female Locusta migratoria, during the phase of yolk deposition, exhibit high rates of C-16 juvenile hormone (JH) biosynthesis. The effect of different potential factors which may be involved in the regulation of corpora allata activity is reported. The biosynthetic activity of corpora allata was determined by radiochemical assay.

In maturing females, no changes in corpora allata activity are detected during one daily cycle. Starvation reduces JH biosynthesis only 3 days after the beginning of the food deprivation. Suppression of the median neurosecretory material by electrocoagulation of the internal cardiaca tract (TCC-I) does not disturb JH biosynthesis whereas the transection of the allata I nerve fibres (NCA-I) or the electrocoagulation of the lateral neurosecretory pericarya results in a rapid decline of JH biosynthesis. These data indicate that the median and lateral allatotropins are different, and that only the lateral neurosecretory material exerts an allatostimulating action on corpora allata at the time of vitellogenesis. The corpora allata response to the median allatotropin changes during oocyte growth. C-16 JH and/or 20-hydroxyecdysone treatments in vitro (addition in the culture medium) and in vivo (injection in female) do not influence JH production in our experimental conditions.     

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.     

1,5-Disubstituted imidazoles inhibit juvenile hormone biosynthesis by the corpora allata of the mosquito Aedes aegypti

We investigated the effect of fifteen 1,5-disubstituted imidazoles (1,5-dis) on juvenile hormone III (JH III) and methyl farnesoate (MF) biosynthesis by the corpora allata (CA) of the mosquito Aedes aegypti in vitro. Four compounds (TH-35, TH-83, TH-62 and TH-28) significantly decreased JH biosynthesis in the CA dissected from 3-day old sugar-fed females. The decrease of JH synthesis was not always associated with increased MF. TH-30 and TH-83 increased MF levels, while TH-85 and TH-61 significantly decreased MF levels. Five compounds (TH-26, TH-60, TH-83, TH-35 and TH-30) significantly inhibited JH biosynthesis in the CA dissected from females 15 h after a blood meal. Four 1,5-dis (TH-30, TH-26, TH-28 and TH-66) caused MF increases in CA from blood-fed females. 1,5-Disubstituted imidazoles had higher inhibitory activity on JH synthesis when substituted at position 5 by a 3-benzyloxyphenyl group and at position 1 by a benzyl group (such as TH-35). Inhibition of JH and MF biosynthesis by TH-35 was age-dependent and influenced by nutritional status; inhibition differed when evaluated in the CA dissected from sugar-fed females at different days after emergence and in the CA dissected from females at different hours after a blood meal. Inhibition was always higher when the CA was more active. The addition of TH-35 significantly reduced the stimulatory effect of Aedes-allatotropin and farnesoic acid on JH synthesis. This is the first report of an inhibitory effect of 1,5-disubstituted imidazoles on JH synthesis in Diptera.     

The effect of l-methionine concentration on juvenile hormone biosynthesis by corpora allata of the cockroach Diploptera punctata

The effect of varying l-methionine (l-met) concentration on rates of juvenile hormone (JH) biosynthesis/release by corpora allata of females of the viviparous cockroach Diploptera punctata has been studied using a radiochemical assay. Both high activity glands (corpora allata from day 5 females) and low activity glands (corpora allata from day 11 females) were used to study the dose dependence of JH biosynthesis on l-met concentrations, under both de novo (spontaneous) conditions of JH biosynthesis and stimulated conditions (in the presence of the exogenous JH III precursor farnesoic acid). Maximal rates of JH biosynthesis/release were observed at l-met concentration of 20 μM (spontaneous) and 40 μM (stimulated). Below these concentrations, rates of JH biosynthesis declined linearly with decreasing l-met concentration. Optimal concentration of l-met appeared to be similar for both high and low activity corpora allata, under spontaneous and stimulated conditions of biosynthesis. Above 40 μM l-met, no increase in rates of JH biosynthesis was observed. It appears that the corpora allata of D. punctata are efficient scavengers of l-met and are able to utilize even low concentrations of the substrate for JH biosynthesis. The corpora allata of D. punctata may prove useful for the biosynthesis of authentic JH III, radiolabelled in the methyl position using as methyl donor, l[methyl-³H]met of high specific activity.     

保幼激素的代谢

保幼激素的代谢由保幼激素酯酶、保幼激素环氧水解酶和保幼激素二醇激酶等共同催化完成。在这些代谢酶的作用下,保幼激素代谢成保幼激素酸、保幼激素二醇、保幼激素酸二醇和保幼激素二醇磷酸。作者总结了保幼激素代谢的研究方法;按实验室和昆虫种类为线索,归纳和概括了每一种保幼激素代谢酶的研究进程;对保幼激素酯酶和保幼激素环氧水解酶作了序列分析;最后对保幼激素的代谢研究进行了展望。     

The effects of octopamine on juvenile hormone biosynthesis,electrophysiology, and cAMP content of the corpora allata of the cockroach Diploptera punctata

Summary Juvenile hormone production by the corpora allata of the adult female cockroach, Diploptera punctata, can be modulated by treatment with the biogenic amine, octopamine. Endogenous octopamine has been identified within the CA, using HPLC and electrochemical detection. Treatment with octopamine results in a sinusoidal, dose-dependent inhibition of JH biosynthesis by CA from day 2 virgin females, with maximal inhibition occurring at 10^-10 M and 10^-4 M. In day 4 and day 8 mated female corpora allata octopamine inhibited JH biosynthesis at 5·10^-5 M. Although the elevation of either cAMP or cGMP within the CA is known to be associated with an inhibition of JH biosynthesis, treatment with high concentrations of octopamine results in an increase in the level of cAMP but not cGMP. This effect is both dose- and time-dependent.Octopamine treatment also initiates changes in the passive membrane responses of the CA. Superfusion of CA with octopamine results in a pronounced hyperpolarization of CA cells and an increase in the electrotonic potential (indicative of the degree of electrical coupling between CA cells). This effect could be blocked by the octopamine receptor blocker phentolamine. Treatment with octopamine or phentolamine also blocked the hyperpolarization of CA cells normally associated with electrical stimulation of the axon tracts innervating the CA.We hypothesize that octopamine may be a natural neuromodulator of JH production by CA, regulating ion channels in CA cells themselves as well as release of the inhibitory neuropeptide, allatostatin, from the terminals within the CA.Abbreviations 4-AP 4-aminopyridine - CA corpora allata - CC corpora cardiaca - cAMP cyclic adenosine monophosphate - cGMP cyclic guanosine monophosphate - EDTA ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid - HEPES N-2-hydroxyethylpiperazine-N2-ethanesulfonic acid - HPLC high pressure liquid chromatography - IBMX 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine - JH juvenile hormone - ms millisecond - nA nanoampere - NCA I nervi corporis allati I - OCT octopamine - TEA tetraethyl ammonium     

A stage-specific ovarian factor with stable stimulation of juvenile hormone synthesis in corpora allata of the cockroach Diploptera punctata

This is a study of a feedback loop from a stimulated organ to glands that produce the stimulatory hormone in the cockroach Diploptera punctata. In this insect as in many others, juvenile hormone (JH) produced by corpora allata (CA) stimulates vitellogenesis. In our previous studies, transplantations of ovaries at certain stages of development into ovariectomized mated females stimulated JH synthesis within 24h. An in vitro study by other investigators showed that all stages of ovaries release a stimulatory factor into culture medium that was not retained on a solid-phase extraction column but occurred in the aqueous flow-through. The present study is a comparison of the effect of medium conditioned with ovaries from days 1-4 and 8 of the first reproductive cycle, to the effect of the flow-through of that medium on members of a pair of CA from day 3 females. Results provide evidence for an ovarian factor that stimulates JH synthesis by CA in vitro after removal from the conditioning medium (i.e., stable stimulation). Only medium conditioned with ovaries from days 2 or 3 females significantly stimulated CA more than flow-through. Stimulation was dose dependent, sensitive to trypsin, and survived freezing. These results indicate that CA can be directly and stably stimulated by a stage-specific peptidergic ovarian factor.     

Novel assay for determining the metabolic fate of juvenile hormone III: A study with Drosophila melanogaster

A thin-layer chromatographic assay was developed for the resolution of hydrolytic and conjugative catabolites of juvenile hormone (JH). A single-dimension, dual-development thin-layer system allowed complete resolution of the catabolites. Thus, this system provided a means for the rapid and economic analysis of JH hydrolysis even when different hydrolytic activities were present concurrently. Purified hydrolytic enzymes were found to be superior to chemical methods for the generation of small amounts of standards of JH catabolites. The relative levels of activities of an epoxide hydrolase and an esterase toward JH III were found to be similar in microsomal preparations from three lines of adult Drosophila melanogaster isolated from a field population. However, selection of flies by exposure to cut orange resulted in the elevation of levels of epoxide hydrolase activities, whereas esterase levels were not affected to the same extent. The formation of the JH acid-diol was not detected under the conditions of this study, suggesting that the JH acid and diol were not good substrates for epoxide hydrolase and juvenile hormone esterase, respectively.     

Enhancement by farnesol and farnesoic acid of juvenile-hormone biosynthesis in induced low-activity locust corpora allata

Exogenous farnesol or farnesoic acid (FA) stimulates juvenile hormone III (JH III) biosynthesis by isolated corpora allata from Locusta migratoria in a dose-dependent manner. Farnesol and FA also stimulate a dose-dependent accumulation of substantial amounts of methyl farnesoate (MF), identified by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GCMS) analysis, in the corpora allata. Lower quantities of MF were found in the incubation medium. Corpora allata, denervated 2 days prior to assay, showed low spontaneous rates of JH biosynthesis which were stimulated by farnesol and FA. The dose-response curves for control and denervated corpora allata were similar. During oocyte maturation the rate of farnesol and FA stimulation of JH biosynthesis increased gradually. However, after transection of nervus corporis allati 1 (NCA-1), the rate of stimulated JH synthesis was maintained at preoperative levels. Although the spontaneous rate of JH biosynthesis decreased rapidly after NCA-1 transection, denervated glands could still be stimulated by farnesol or FA to produce large amounts of JH. These results suggest that the low spontaneous rate of JH biosynthesis in denervated corpora allata is not caused by inhibition of the final steps of JH biosynthesis.     

Structural basis for juvenile hormone biosynthesis by the juvenile hormone acid methyltransferase

Juvenile hormone (JH) acid methyltransferase (JHAMT) is a rate-limiting enzyme that converts JH acids or inactive precursors of JHs to active JHs at the final step of JH biosynthesis in insects and thus presents an excellent target for the development of insect growth regulators or insecticides. However, the three-dimensional properties and catalytic mechanism of this enzyme are not known. Herein, we report the crystal structure of the JHAMT apoenzyme, the three-dimensional holoprotein in binary complex with its cofactor S-adenosyl-l-homocysteine, and the ternary complex with S-adenosyl-l-homocysteine and its substrate methyl farnesoate. These structures reveal the ultrafine definition of the binding patterns for JHAMT with its substrate/cofactor. Comparative structural analyses led to novel findings concerning the structural specificity of the progressive conformational changes required for binding interactions that are induced in the presence of cofactor and substrate. Importantly, structural and biochemical analyses enabled identification of one strictly conserved catalytic Gln/His pair within JHAMTs required for catalysis and further provide a molecular basis for substrate recognition and the catalytic mechanism of JHAMTs. These findings lay the foundation for the mechanistic understanding of JH biosynthesis by JHAMTs and provide a rational framework for the discovery and development of specific JHAMT inhibitors as insect growth regulators or insecticides.     

The isolation and identification of juvenile hormone from cockroach corpora allata in vitro

Methyl (2E, 6E) - 10, 11 - epoxy - 3, 7, 11 - trimethyl - 2, 6 - dodecadienoate (JH III) is synthesized by corpora cardiaca/allata of the American cockroach $\text{Periplaneta americana in vitro}$ and released into the culture medium. It constitutes the principal part of the biologically detectable JH activity. A fully synthetic medium without terpenoid precursors or serum was used, which proves, that the entire molecule is synthesized $\text{de novo}$. The presence of JH III in orders as different as Blattodea, Orthoptera, Coleoptera and Lepidoptera indicates, that it is the most widely occuring JH of insects.     

飞行对粘虫体内甘油酯积累与咽侧体活性的影响

研究了粘虫Mythimna separata (Walker)成虫飞行对甘油酯的恢复、保幼激素的滴度及飞行肌降解的影响, 结果表明,不同日龄粘虫的飞行活动对其能源物质的积累及保幼激素分泌产生不同的影响。1日龄蛾的飞行对粘虫这两方面产生的影响最大,其飞行个体能源物质的积累明显高于未飞行的对照个体; 3日龄飞行个体的能源物质积累与对照相当; 但5日龄飞行个体则很难达到对照水平。1日龄飞行个体咽侧体活性在36 h后明显高于对照,60 h后已是对照的10倍,108 h达到其峰值; 3日龄飞行个体咽侧体的活性稍高于对照,但差别不显著; 5日龄飞行个体的咽侧体活性则稍低于对照。不同日龄飞行对飞行肌的降解也产生不同的影响。1日龄飞行个体的飞行肌在飞行后6 天已经明显低于对照。3、5日龄的飞行活动对其飞行肌降解的影响不明显。因此推测,粘虫咽侧体活化的关键时期可能在羽化后1～3 天之间。     

Improved conditions for culture of biosynthetically active cockroach corpora allata

Summary Currently, short-term culture of insect corpora allata is most often performed in TC199. We now show that L-15B, a medium widely used in arthropod tissue culture, is superior to TC199 for both short- and long-term culture of cockroach corpora allata. In 3-h and 48-h incubations, juvenile hormone biosynthesis by corpora allata from Diploptera punctata was significantly higher in L-15B than in TC199. In addition, in both media, corpora allata activity was significantly improved by flotation of glands at the medium surface. Characteristics of L-15B responsible for its superiority were examined by comparison of gland activities in several TC199 formulations that had been modified in different ways to be more similar to L-15B. Adjusting the osmotic pressure of TC199 (288 mOsm/l) to near that of L-15B (362 mOsm/l) and D. punctata hemolymph (360 mOsm/l) significantly improved gland activity during the second 12 h of a 36-h incubation. Increasing the concentrations of amino acids, sugars, and organic acids in TC199 to the same levels as in L-15B significantly improved gland activity during both the second and third 12-h intervals of a 36-h incubation. These results suggest that L-15B is superior to TC199 because L-15B is isoosmotic with D. punctata hemolymph and because L-15B, like cockroach hemolymph, contains a high level of organic constituents. It is therefore more appropriate to use L-15B than TC199 for short-term in vitro assays of juvenile hormone biosynthesis and for extended corpora allata culture.     

JH biosynthesis by reproductive tissues and corpora allata in adult longhorned beetles, Apriona germari

We report on juvenile hormone (JH) biosynthesis from long‐chain intermediates by specific reproductive tissues and the corpora allata (CA) prepared from adult longhorned beetles, Apriona germari. The testes, male accessory glands (MAGs), ovaries, and CA contained the long‐chain intermediates in the JH biosynthetic pathway, farnesoic acid (FA), methyl farnesoate (MF), and JH III. The testes and ovaries, but not CA, produced radioactive JH III after the addition of ³H‐methionine and, separately, unlabeled methionine, to the incubation medium. We inferred that endogenous FA is methylated to MF in the testes and ovaries. Addition of farnesol led to increased amounts of FA in the testes, MAGs, ovaries, and CA, indicating oxidation of farnesol to FA. Addition of FA to incubation medium yielded increased JH III, again indicating methylation of FA to MF in the testes, MAGs, ovaries, but not CA. Addition of MF to incubation medium also led to JH III, from which we inferred the epoxidation of MF to JH III. JH biosynthesis from farnesol in the testes, MAGs, and ovaries of A. germari proceeds via oxidation to FA, methylation to MF, and epoxidation to JH III. This is a well‐known pathway to JH III, described here for the first time in reproductive tissues of longhorned beetles. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.