ISSN:
1432-041X
Keywords:
Grasshopper
;
Juvenile hormone-carrier
;
Sexual behaviour
;
Ovaries
;
Spermatheca
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Summary Egg-production, spermathecal enzyme activity and sexual behaviour inGomphocerus rufus females are shown to be controlled by the corpora allata, i.e. the juvenile hormone (JH). The haemolymph of this insect contains a high molecular weight glyco-lipo-protein (220,000; IEP 6.8) which has a high affinity for JH (Kd=5×10−8M). This protein binds JH selectively, even in competition with other haemolymph lipoproteins. Purification of the JH-binding protein and subsequent immunisation of rabbits yielded a homogenous antibody solution (Anti-JCv) which eliminated the JH-transport in the haemolymph if it was injected into adult males or females for several days after ecdysis. After this treatment the females did not produce eggs, and spermatophore-formation occurred only partially in the males, this indicating that the Anti-JCv-injections had exactly the same effect as bilateral allatectomy. The haemolymph of related grasshoppers was shown to contain a protein which is immunologically identical to the JH-carrier from theG. rufus haemolymph. It is suggested that the JH produced by the c. allata needs a protein carrier in order to exert its control on the functioning of the reproductive system. The synthesis of the JH-carrier is not dependent upon the presence of JH, i.e. the c. allata, since it is also produced by bilaterally allatectomized males and females throughout their whole life.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00848388
