Endocrine aspects of ovary growth and gestation in the Argentinian cockroach,Blaptica dubia (Dictyoptera,Blaberidae)

Titers of juvenile hormone (JH) III and free ecdysteroids were studied in the hemolymph of the ovoviviparous Argentinian cockroach, Blaptica dubia, related to fat body depletion and reproduction. Adult females were analyzed during the first (days 5–25) and second vitellogenic cycle (days 80–100) and during the periods of gestation. Body weight changes of adult females were closely related to ovarian growth, ootheca formation, ootheca deposition, and hatching of the nymphs. Biochemical analysis of the fat body revealed lipids as the main storage compounds, followed by glycogen, proteins, and free carbohydrates. Changes in the fat body weight and in the chemical constituents of the fat body correlated with the processes of vitellogenesis and gestation. Concentrations of JH and free ecdysteroids in the hemolymph were measured by high pressure liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. JH III was the only JH homolog found. JH III titers were high during vitellogenesis as well as toward the end of the gestation period. Changes in the concentrations of ecdysone and 20-hydroxyecdysone were less clear. The results reveal JH III as the major gonadotropic hormone in adult females of B. dubia.     

Methyl farnesoate and juvenile hormone III in normal and precocene treated embryos of the ovoviviparous cockroach Nauphoeta cinerea

Summary

Titers of juvenile hormone III and methyl farnesoate, its unepoxidized precursor, were measured throughout embryonic development using a gas-chromatographic method and it was revealed that both substances are undetectable before dorsal closure. Thereafter they both reach similarly high concentrations (800 ng/g) until a few days before hatching, when their titers begin to decrease. Application of the precocene analogue, 7-ethoxy-6-methoxy-2,2-dimethyl-chromene, to egg-cases at dorsal closure results in very low or undetectable titers of juvenile hormone III, depending on the dose applied, whereas methyl farnesoate is seen to reach high levels similar to those seen in the controls. The severe developmental disturbances observed suggest that juvenile hormone III is very important for normal development and formation of the 1st instar larva.     

Ecdysteroid level and the change in sensitivity to a juvenile hormone analogue in Ephestia cautella larvae (Lepidoptera,Phycitidae)

A double-antibody ecdysone-specific radioimmunoassay was used to clarify whether the effects on metamorphosis of the juvenile hormone analogue methoprene are correlated with changes in ecdysteroids level. It appears that a small ecdysteroids peak, 5 days before pupation, is responsible for the transition from inhibition to defective metamorphosis. Study of the changes in ecdysteroid titer in last-instar larvae treated with the JHA 2 days prior to the appearance of the above small ecdysteroids' peak showed an immediate reduction in ecdysteroid level, followed by cyclic, successively reduced titer for about 20 days. After this period the larvae ceased to feed and entered to a diapauselike stage which ended in the death of the larvae. A similar effect on ecdysteroid titer and developmental arrest was exhibited by JHA-treated first-instar larvae. The mechanism of the interactions between JHA and ecdysteroid level deserves further investigation.     

Effects of methoprene and juvenile hormone on larval ecdysis,emergence, and metamorphosis of the endoparasitic wasp, Apanteles congregatus

Topical application of juvenile hormone I and III or the hormone analogue methoprene to parasitized Manduca sexta larvae inhibited subsequent emergence of the endoparasitic wasp Apanteles congregatus. Methoprene treatment inhibited wasp emergence in a dose-dependent manner, causing either a delay or total inhibition of emergence. These results were interpreted as reflecting inhibitory effects of juvenile hormone on the second-larval ecdysis of the parasitoid that normally occurs during emergence from the host larva. Parasitoid ecdysis was disrupted even when methoprene was applied to host larvae a few hours prior to the normal expected time of emergence. A correlation between the number of emerging parasitoids and the timing of emergence was seen in methoprene-treated hosts, and few parasitoids emerged after day 9 of the host's fifth-instar. Our findings suggest that the suppression of emergence by juvenile hormone analogues noted in previous studies may be due to a similar inhibitory effect on parasitoid ecdysis. We also observed that parasitoids emerging from hosts treated with a low dose of methoprene (1 μg) later pupated normally but then formed nonviable pupal-adult intermediates. Thus use of this insect growth regulator must be undertaken carefully to prevent possible adverse effects on natural parasitoid populations.     

Growth of the male accessory gland in adult locusts: Roles of juvenile hormone,JH esterase,and JH binding proteins

The participation of juvenile hormone (JH) in the regulation of growth and protein synthesis in the accessory reproductive gland of male Locusta migratoria has been investigated. After elimination of endogenous JH with ethoxyprecocene, the accessory gland failed to grow, but growth was restored by a single application of the JH analog, pyriproxyfen. Pyriproxyfen appeared to stimulate total protein synthesis by 3 h, with a significant effect by 12 h, in contrast to 24 h observed in fat body. The dose curve for stimulation of protein synthesis 12 h after applying pyriproxyfen gave an ED₅₀ of 0.1 μg; the dose curve for gland growth at 72 h was biphasic, with steps at about 0.01 μg and 10 μg, suggesting two phases in JH action. SDS-PAGE analysis showed several components that were stimulated by pyriproxyfen, the effect being strongest in an 11 kDa band. A 5 kDa component was enhanced in the soluble and reduced in the particulate fraction after precocene treatment. The accessory gland contained JH esterase activity at levels about 100 times those in fat body or hemolymph, and was higher in precocene treated locusts. Binding activity for [³H]10R -JH III was high in cytosolic and nuclear fractions, and was identified immunologically as due to the previously described hemolymph JH binding protein. The results indicate that the mode of action of JH in the accessory gland may differ from that in the fat body. The presence of intracellular JH binding protein suggests a direct action of JH within the gland, that may be modulated by JH esterase. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Physico-chemical (GC-MS) measurements of juvenile hormone III titres during embryogenesis of Locusta migratoria

Summary

The titre fluctuations of juvenile hormone III (JH III) in eggs of Locusta during embryogenesis were investigated by use of a combination of gas chromatography and chemical ionisation mass spectrometry. The results do not favour the idea of a functional transfer of JH III from the adult female to the embryo. JH III was found to be absent during the period of intense, JH-sensitive, organogenesis, roughly at mid-embryogenesis. The hormone titres peak shortly before the deposition of the last (3rd) embryonic cuticle (which corresponds to the first larval cuticle). Hatching occurs in the virtual absence of JH III.     

The effect of C18 juvenile hormone and Altosid on the efficiency of egg production in Rhodnius prolixus

The product (R) of the weight of the blood meal and the initial weight of the insect is shown to be a reliable predictor of egg production. The egg production efficiency (E), defined as the number of eggs produced per R, has a value characteristic of virgin females, and another, higher, value characteristic of mated females. Topical applications of C18 JH or Altosid to virgin females increase the value of E to the mated level in a fashion which suggests that these compounds act via a trigger mechanism. These compounds do not affect the rate at which oviposition occurs.     

Effects of allatectomy and ovariectomy on cuticular hydrocarbons in Calliphora vomitoria (diptera)

The relationships between female attractiveness, cuticular hydrocarbons, and levels of juvenile hormone and ecdysteroids were studied in Calliphora vomitoria. The experiments were conducted at 48 and 72 h post-emergence, according to attractiveness appearance and increase. The 48-h-old allatectomized females were less attractive than the control females, whereas no changes occurred either in cuticular hydrocarbons total mass production or in the different hydrocarbon families. However, the 72-h-old allatectomized females were more attractive than the control females, and, in relative proportions, allatectomy led to an increase in monomethylalkanes and a decrease in n-alkanes. Only at 48 h were the ovariectomized females less attractive than the control females and did ovariectomy increase the relative proportions of monomethylalkanes. At 72 h, ovariectomy did not influence female attractiveness, but it decreased the total cuticular hydrocarbon production. Allatectomy and ovariectomy significantly decreased ecdysteroids levels at 48 and 72 h. Ovariectomy did not affect juvenile hormone production. These results suggest that attractiveness and cuticular hydrocarbon synthesis could be under the direct control of ecdysteroids and the indirect influence of juvenile hormone. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Effects of a juvenile hormone analogue, pyriproxyfen, on the apterous form of soybean aphid (Aphis glycines)

The soybean aphid, Aphis glycines Matsamura, is an eastern Asian soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] pest which can reduce soybean yield. We determined the effects of pyriproxyfen, a juvenile hormone analogue, on development, mortality, longevity and fecundity of A. glycines under laboratory conditions. Distance Insect Growth Regulator, containing ∼11.2% pyriproxyfen, was applied at two concentrations, 50 and 150 mg/l, to first and fourth instar nymphs. When first or fourth instar A. glycines were treated with pyriproxyfen, some nymphs became supernumerary‐molted nymphs with 1–3 extra molts or were sterilized. Mortality of treated first instar nymphs was >68% greater than the control group and longevity was reduced by >40%. The higher concentration of pyriproxyfen reduced fecundity of first instar nymphs when they reached adulthood by ∼79%. Pyriproxyfen similarly affected fourth instar nymphs. Mortality of treated fourth instar nymphs was ≥15% greater than the control group and longevity was reduced by >24%. Both concentrations of pyriproxyfen lowered the fecundity of fourth instar nymphs by >27%. Pyriproxyfen also had other sublethal effects on fourth instar nymphs which became apparent when they molted to adulthood. In a few instances they developed wing pads and many produced dead, deformed or abnormal neonates that lacked appendages.     

The effects of mating,exogenous juvenile hormone and a juvenile hormone analogue on pheromone titre,calling and oviposition in the omnivorous leafroller moth (Platynota stultana)

Mating in Platynota stultana resulted in the termination of calling, the gradual reduction of pheromone in the pheromone glands to non-detectable levels (<0.1 ng/♀) within 14 h, and oviposition of the first batch of eggs 20–24 h after copulation. Decapitation of virgin females resulted in a similar decline in pheromone titre, and also eliminated oviposition and calling. Pheromone production appears to be controlled via the head. Mating probably terminates neural or hormonal input required for pheromone production and/or removes neural or hormonal inhibition of pheromone degradation. A juvenile hormone analogue (ZR-512) and juvenile hormones I, II and III applied exogenously to virgin females elicited oviposition comparable to mated females and terminated calling within 48 h. The juvenile hormone analogue also appeared to block pheromone production in virgin females. These results suggest that juvenile hormone may be involved in the switch from virgin to mated behaviour in this species.     

Effects of hydroprene on development and reproduction in the Oriental cockroach, Blatta orientalis

Nymphs of the Oriental cockroach Blatta orientalis were exposed during the penultimate and final instars to vinyl tiles treated with the juvenile hormone analogue hydroprene. Adults moulting from these nymphs exhibited deformities such as twisted wings in both sexes and modified genitalia in females. Females with deformities were unable to produce viable oothecae. B.orientalis confined on tiles treated with hydroprene at rates of 25-100 mg/m2 did not reproduce. The treatment rate of 10 mg/m2 reduced fecundity and caused 47-57% of resultant adults to have deformities, but some adults reproduced successfully and population growth was not suppressed.     

Inhibition of juvenile hormone III biosynthesis in cockroach corpora allata by interference with the S-adenosylmethionine-dependent transmethylation

The synthesis of juvenile hormone-III by corpora allata of the cockroach Diploptera punctata is dependent under in vitro conditions upon a supply of exogenous methionine. Radiolabelled S-adenosylmethionine was identified by HPLC in extracts of corpora allata incubated with either [methyl-³H]methionine or [³⁵S]methionine. Juvenile hormone (JH) synthesis by intact glands in vitro was inhibited by cycloleucine and selenomethionine, but this inhibition could be relieved by increasing the concentration of methionine. S-adenosylhomocysteine or sinefungin had little or no inhibitory effect on JH synthesis by intact glands, but 5′-deoxy-5′-methylthioadenosine was inhibitory. Adenosine and homocysteine synergistically inhibited JH synthesis. These results show that JH-III synthesis by intact glands can be inhibited by interfering with the S-adenosylmethionine-dependent transmethylation, and suggest that the product and inhibitor of that reaction, S-adenosyl-homocysteine, is rapidly hydrolyzed to adenosine and homocysteine in the corpora allata.     

The inhibition of milk synthesis by juvenile hormone in the viviparous cockroach, Diploptera punctata

The brood sac of the viviparous cockroach, Diploptera punctata, synthesizes a protein rich milk which nourishes developing embryos. Milk is first detected in the brood sac (by immunoelectrophoresis) when the embryos begin drinking and continues to increase in parallel with total protein of the brood sac. When embryos cease drinking, both total protein and milk decline in the brood sac. Premature decline in protein and milk content of the brood sac has been observed after treatment with juvenile hormone (from implanted active corpora allata) or a juvenile hormone analogue (ZR 512 applied topically). The fine structure of the brood sac 7 days after corpora allata implant is consistent with that of gland cells which are not actively synthesizing milk. The effect of ZR 512 is detected in decreased milk content of the brood sac after 24 hr of treatment.     

The conservation-refugium value of small and disturbed Brazilian Atlantic forest fragments for the endemic ovoviviparous cockroach Monastria biguttata (Insecta: Dictyoptera, Blaberidae, Blaberinae)

The Brazilian Atlantic forest is a biodiversity hotspot and harbors many endemic species showing peculiar and unique traits. However, it has been reduced to less than 8% of its original surface and is distributed in scattered fragments, the great majority of which are smaller than 20 hectares and very disturbed, making it worth asking about their value for conservation. In this paper we assess the refugium value of small fragments to the conservation of one of the endemics of the Atlantic forest, the ovoviviparous cockroach Monastria biguttata. Our results showed that this species was ubiquitous in large and small forest fragments, but never present in plantations or pastures. The population age structure and sex ratio were balanced in every fragment, and total population size in the smallest fragments was at least several hundreds of individuals. Colony size, sex ratio, age structure, and density per piece of dead tree trunk indicated that populations from small fragments were not unbalanced or at risk of extinction. According to the analysis of resource availability, small fragments can provide suitable habitat for this species. In this situation, even very small forest fragments have a high refugium value for some endemic insect species. Considering their number in the landscape, these fragments should be considered with more attention in strategies of biodiversity conservation.     

Effects of juvenile hormone on sense organs involved in mating behaviour of Blattella germanica (L.) (Dictyoptera: Blattellidae)

Possible causes of the suppression of mating in juvenile hormone-treated Blattella germanica females, including the roles of the compound eyes and antennal, labial and maxillary palp sensilla in mating, were studied.Either antennectomy or labial palpectomy, but not maxillary palpectomy, leads to complete suppression of mating in females. Vision plays no role in mating. These results show that all the head appendages (antennae and labial and maxillary palps) are important in precopulatory behaviour, individually and collectively. Juvenile hormone treatment of the sixth (last) instar female nymphs leads to retention of nymphal sensillar characteristics on both the antennae and the palps of the resulting adults, with a reduced electroantennogram response. Thus the animal behaves like a nymph and does not mate in spite of its ability to produce pheromone.     

The effect of farnesyl methyl ether, a mimic of insect juvenile hormone, on Hymenolepis Diminuta in vitro

The effect of farnesyl methyl ether, a mimic of insect juvenile hormone, on Hymenolepis diminuta in vitro. International journal for Parasitology4: 211–218. The inhibition of weight gain of Hymenolepis diminuta in vitro by farnesyl methyl ether (FME) was not dose-dependent, so that there were no differences produced by FME in concentrations from 10^?5 to 10^?13m. At all concentrations of FME used the weight gain over a 6-day culture period was half of that of controls. The FME-treated and control worms were identical to each other in proglottid number and the degree of maturity. Neither the dry to wet weight ratios of worms nor the carbohydrate, protein or lipid ratios were altered by FME. The release of neurosecretory material from the neurosecretory cells in the rostellum (as measured by the degree of their fuchsinophilia) was more advanced in time in the FME-treated worms than in the controls, and it is suggested that this premature release of neurosecretion, triggered either directly or indirectly by traces of FME in the medium, upset a control mechanism in the germinative tissue of the neck region, which determines the mass, but not the number, of the proglottids in the strobila.     

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.     

Effects of fenoxycarb on development and reproduction of the Oriental cockroach, Blatta orientalis

Abstract. In a laboratory study, groups of third-instar Blatta orientalis nymphs were reared to adulthood in arenas containing fenoxycarb (48 mg a.i./m²) treated ceramic or plywood tiles. The reproductive capacity of the emergent adults was assessed by pairing each individual with two untreated individuals of the opposite sex. Oothecal production, oothecal hatch and the numbers of nymphs emergent from each hatched ootheca were monitored. Exposure to 1-day-old deposits of fenoxycarb reduced adult emergence by 45–75% in comparison with an untreated control treatment. Substantial (>40%) mortality also resulted when nymphs were exposed to deposits up to 3 months old on plywood and up to 6 months old on ceramic. Exposure to fenoxycarb significantly extended the time taken to reach adulthood of males contacting 6-month-old deposits on both surfaces, and of females contacting 1-year-old deposits on ceramic. Adult females exposed as nymphs to fenoxycarb were unable to produce oothecae, except one female laid a non-viable ootheca. Untreated females paired with treated males produced large numbers of oothecae of normal appearance but very low viability, with only 0–7.1% hatching. With marked effects on both development and reproduction in B. orientalis , fenoxycarb is a promising agent for control of this species.     

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.     

The mode of regulation of the corpus allatum activity during starvation in adult females of the Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say)

When two-day-old female Leptinotarsa decemlineata were starved, their corpus allatum activity, as measured by the radiochemical in vitro assay, was significantly reduced after 24 hr. Such a reduction was not observed when the nerve connections between the central nervous system and the retrocerebral complex were severed and the beetles starved up to 5 days. In some experiments, the rate of juvenile hormone biosynthesis in vitro, was substantiated by measurement of the juvenile hormone titre in the haemolymph by physico-chemical methods. It is concluded that intact nervous connections between the central nervous system and the corpora allata are essential for restraining the juvenile hormone biosynthesis during the initial stages of starvation.Corpora allata from 1-day starved insects were considerably stimulated in vitro by farnesenic acid indicating that juvenile hormone synthesis is controlled enzymatically at a stage prior to the final two steps in the pathway. However, on day 5 of starvation, rate-limitation may occur after formation of this intermediate, since farnesenic acid stimulation was much less at this time.Corpora allata of adult females newly emerged from the soil were activated within 4 hr regardless of feeding.