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Allatotropin-like peptide in Heliothis virescens: tissue localization and quantification
Anna Rachinsky1, Akira Mizoguchi, Asoka Srinivasan
1Department of Entomology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, USA. arachins@d.umn.edu
Archives of Insect Biochemistry and Physiology
|April 14, 2006
Summary
Juvenile hormone (JH) regulation in Heliothis virescens is influenced by allatotropins (AT). This study mapped AT distribution, finding it concentrated in the brain and nervous system, suggesting mating-induced JH changes stem from cellular responses, not AT quantity.
Area of Science:
- Insect Endocrinology
- Neurobiology
- Reproductive Physiology
Background:
- Mating stimulates juvenile hormone (JH) biosynthesis in female Heliothis virescens.
- This stimulation may involve neuropeptides like allatotropins (AT).
- The structure of H. virescens AT is potentially related to Manduca sexta allatotropin (Manse-AT), but its distribution is unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the occurrence and distribution of Manse-AT-like material in H. virescens.
- To determine if AT distribution differs between mated and virgin females.
- To explore potential roles of AT in insect reproductive physiology.
Main Methods:
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using a monoclonal antibody against Manse-AT.
- Quantification of Manse-AT immunoreactivity in various H. virescens tissues.
- Whole-mount immunocytochemistry to localize AT in the central nervous system.
Main Results:
- High concentrations of Manse-AT-like material were found in the brain, ventral nervous system, and accessory glands of mated females.
- Low concentrations were detected in ovaries, fat body, and flight muscle.
- Immunoreactive cells and axons were identified throughout the central nervous system, corpora cardiaca, and corpora allata.
- A distinct group of immunoreactive cells was observed in the male terminal ganglion, absent in females.
- No significant differences in AT distribution were found between mated and virgin females.
Conclusions:
- Manse-AT-like material is widely distributed in the H. virescens nervous system, suggesting broader functions beyond JH regulation.
- The lack of difference in AT distribution between mated and virgin females indicates that mating-induced changes in JH biosynthesis likely result from altered cellular sensitivity to AT in the corpora allata.
