Adipokinetic hormones: cell and molecular biology

Adipokinetic hormones AKH I (pGlu-Leu-Asn-Phe-Thr-Pro-Asn-Trp-Gly-Thr-NH2) and AKH II (pGlu-Leu-Asn-Phe-Ser-Trp-Gly-Thr-NH2) are synthesized by neurosecretory cells (NSC) of the corpora cardiaca (CC) in the locust, Schistocerca gregaria. These NSC constitute a homogeneous 'peptide factory' as each cell synthesizes both AKH I and AKH II. This homogeneity makes the CC an excellent system in which to study aspects of neuropeptide biosynthesis. This report summarizes recent findings on AKH inactivation and metabolism, as well as on AKH prohormone processing and biosynthesis.