Title

Juvenilizing effect of ecdysone mimic RH 5849 in Galleria mellonella larvae

Abstract

The response of the final instar larvae of G. mellonella to topical application of the non-steroidal ecdysone mimic, RH 5849, was age-related as well as dose-dependent. In young final instar larvae, moderate doses of RH 5849 induced perfect supernumerary larval moults, but doses equal to and higher than 8.5 μg per larva caused premature formation of larval cuticle and were lethal. Application of RH 5849 significantly increased allatotropic activity of the brain, and also activated synthesis of juvenile hormone (JH) by the corpora cardiaca/corpora allata complex. Simultaneous application of RH 5849 and FMev, a potent inhibitor of JH synthesis, to young final instar larvae lowered the incidence of perfect supernumerary larval moults. We conclude that the effect of RH 5849 on the developmental programme in G. mellonella is mediated by the corpora allata. © 1992 Birkhäuser Verlag.

Document Type

Article

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01919156

Keywords

allatotropic activity, corpora allata, ecdysone mimic RH 5849, Galleria mellonella, juvenile hormone, juvenilizing effect, supernumerary larval moult

Publication Date

1-1-1992

Journal Title

Experientia

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