The activity of denervated corpora allata in a diapausing strain of Locusta migratoria: in vivo and in vitro studies

Summary

The activity of denervated corpora allata of a diapausing strain of Locusta migratoria is compared in vivo and in vitro. Inactive corpora allata (CA) of diapausing adult females soon become active following implantation into other diapausing females. Activation also follows incubation in vitro, although this activity decreases rapidly. Active CA of animals whose diapause has been broken by NCC2 section continue to secrete hormone when implanted into host animals (i.e., in vivo) although activity declines after 3 days. In contrast such CA show very low activity in vitro. These data confirm that in L. migratoria activity of the CA is regulated by a dual control involving inhibiting and activating factors whose origins are discussed.

Keywords:

• insects
• imaginai diapause
• corpora allata
• neuroendocrine control
• in vitro study
• juvenile hormone