The Corpus Allatum and Oogenesis inRhodnius Prolixus(Stål.)

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Abstract
1. In the ovarioles of both normal and allatectomized females the spaces open between the cells of the follicle layer and vitellogenesis begins as the terminal oocyte grows through the 350-400 /µm size range. 2. In both normal and allatectomized ovarioles the growth of the larger oocytes is markedly co-ordinated so that, for example, each ovariole contains only one oocyte in active vitellogenesis. 3. A consideration of the size distribution of the terminal oocytes in normal and allatectomized ovarioles demonstrates that vitellogenesis begins later and proceeds more slowly in allatectomized animals. 4. Allatectomy markedly depresses the number of mitoses in the trophic primordium, but this is held to be a feedback phenomenon resulting from a decreased demand for the products of mature trophocytes. 5. There is a decreased level of yolk protein in the haemolymph of allatectomized animals. 6. This evidence favours the hypothesis that the primary site of action in Rhodnius of the gonadotropin from the corpus allatum is situated at the level of activation, whereby spaces open between the follicle cells and proteins from the haemolymph are allowed free access to the oocyte surface.