A new diet for reproduction of two predaceous mitesAmblyseius gossipi andAgistemus exsertus [Acari: Phytoseiidae,stigmaeidae]

Laboratory studies revealed that the acarid mite,Tyrophagus casei Oudemans is an adequate diet for development and reproduction of the stigmaeid mite,Agistemus exsertus Gonzalez. A combination of pollen grains of castor beanRicinus communis L. andT. casei is a sufficient plant-animal diet for the development and reproduction of the phytoseiid mite,Amblyseius gossipi Elbadry. When the later predator was restricted to such animal prey it developed to the adult stage, but females failed to lay eggs.      

Amylin,Food Intake,and Obesity

Amylin, also known as islet amyloid polypeptide, identified in 1987, is a naturally occurring hormone, released by the β cells of the pancreas and consists of 37 amino acids. Amylin seems to decrease food intake through both central and peripheral mechanisms and indirectly by slowing gastric emptying. The mean basal amylin concentration is higher in obese than in lean human subjects. The amylin response to oral glucose is also greater in obese subjects, whether or not they have impaired glucose tolerance. The elevated amylin levels in obesity may lead to down-regulation of amylin receptors and lessen the impact of postprandial amylin secretion on satiety and gastric emptying. Amylin administration may overcome resistance at target tissues, delay gastric emptying, and have potential for inducing weight loss in obese individuals.