ML-236B (Compactin) as an Inhibitor of Juvenile Hormone Biosynthesis

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Abstract
ML-236B (Compactin), an inhibitor of HMG-CoA [3-hydroxyl-3-methylglutaryl-CoA] reductase activity and thus of juvenile hormone (JH) biosynthesis, has anti-JH action in the cabbage armyworm, Mamestra brassicae. When 50 .mu.g ML-236B was injected 2 or 3 times every 6 or 9 h, respectively, beginning 18 h before head capsule slippage in the penultimate instar, it caused the formation of larval-pupal intermediates. Later application 6 h after head capsule slippage only inhibited ommochrome synthesis. This latter effect could be prevented by simultaneous application of JH-I. Thus, ML-236B apparently prevents JH biosynthesis for a short period, but is rapidly metabolized so that the effect is reversible.