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Allatoregulatory peptides in Lepidoptera, structures, distribution and functions
N Audsley1, H J Matthews, N R Price
1Central Science Laboratory, Sand Hutton, York YO41 1LZ, UK. n.audsley@csl.gov.uk
Journal of Insect Physiology
|April 2, 2008
Summary
Insect allatoregulatory peptides, including allatostatins and allatotropins, regulate juvenile hormone (JH) synthesis and exhibit diverse physiological roles beyond JH. Their localization in neurosecretory cells and tissues highlights complex regulatory networks in insects.
Area of Science:
- Insect endocrinology
- Neuroendocrinology
- Peptide hormone research
Background:
- Allatoregulatory peptides modulate insect juvenile hormone (JH) synthesis.
- Three families of allatostatins inhibit JH, while two allatotropins stimulate it.
- These peptides have pleiotropic functions beyond JH regulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the diverse roles of allatostatins and allatotropins in insects.
- To investigate the localization and function of these peptides in various insect tissues.
- To understand the structural requirements for the biological activity of these peptides.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on allatoregulatory peptides in insects.
- Analysis of peptide localization in neurosecretory cells and organs.
- Examination of structure-activity relationships for peptide function.
Main Results:
- C-type allatostatins inhibit JH synthesis and foregut contractions in Lepidoptera.
- A-type allatostatins do not affect JH but inhibit foregut contractions.
- Two distinct allatotropins stimulate JH synthesis; Manduca sexta allatotropin (Manse-AT) also affects heart and gut functions.
- Peptide localization in the corpora cardiaca, corpora allata, and ventral nerve cord correlates with their functions.
- Co-localization in the frontal ganglion and recurrent nerve suggests roles in gut peristalsis.
Conclusions:
- Allatoregulatory peptides possess diverse functions beyond JH regulation, impacting gut and heart activity.
- The localization of these peptides in specific neurosecretory cells and tissues supports their multifaceted roles.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the precise mechanisms and full range of functions for allatostatins and allatotropins.
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