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The activity of corpora allata in dominant and subordinated females of the waspPolistes gallicus

L'activité des corps allates chez les femelles dominantes et subordonnées de la guêpePolistes gallicus

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Summary

In females ofPolistes gallicus the activity of corpora allata (CA) was determined volumetrically as well as radiochemically using the in vitro assay for juvenile hormone (JH). The results we have compared with the ovarian activity. During the period of egg maturation after overwintering the volume of CA is well correlated with the synthetic activity. But in overwintering females and in ovariectomized females we have observed very large glands which produced only little amounts of JH like the small glands of parasitized wasps. In all dominant females the CA we have found to be larger and more active than in subordinated females indicating that changes in the endocrine activity may be a primary result of social hierarchy.

Resume

Chez des femelles dePolistes gallicus, nous avons examiné le volume des corpora allata et leur activité de synthèse in vitro estimée grâce au dosage radiochimique de l'hormone juvénile. Les valeurs obtenues sont comparées avec l'activité ovarienne.

Pendant la première période de maturation des ovocytes, à la sortie de l'hivernage, le volume des corpora allata est en nette corrélation avec leur activité de synthèse. Cependant, chez des femelles hivernantes ou ovariectomisées, nous avons observé de très grosses glandes ne produisant que de petites quantités d'hormone juvénile. Les petits corps allates des femelles stylopisées ont une activité de synthèse très faible.

Chez toutes les femelles dominantes, les corpora allata sont plus grands et plus actifs que chez les subordonnées; les changements d'activité endocrinienne semblent liés à l'établissement d'une hiérarchie sociale entre les fondatrices.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Zoologisches Institut (II) der Universität, Röntgenring 10, D-87, Würzburg

    P. -F. Roseler & I. Roseler

  2. C.N.R.S.-I.N.P., 6, 31, chemin Joseph-Aiguier, F 13274, Marseille

    A. Strambi

Authors
  1. P. -F. Roseler
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  2. I. Roseler
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  3. A. Strambi
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Roseler, P.F., Roseler, I. & Strambi, A. The activity of corpora allata in dominant and subordinated females of the waspPolistes gallicus . Ins. Soc 27, 97–107 (1980). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02229247

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02229247

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