EVIDENCE FOR AN ADIPOKINETIC FUNCTION OF THE RPCH ACTIVITY PRESENT IN THE DESERT LOCUST NEUROENDOCRINE SYSTEM

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Abstract
Using the Leander erythrophore assay, crustacean red pigment concentrating hormone activity (RPCA) was quantified in the head or cephalic neuroendocrine system of several insect species. Schistocerca gregaria adults contained the highest RPCA levels, but some RPCA was found in all post-embryonic stages of the life cycle. RPCA was concentrated in the locust corpora cardiaca glandular lobe, and was present in the storage lobe, brain and hemolymph. Significant variations in RPCA content were observed in mature and immature animals. Synthetic RPCH and certain active analogues of the natural hormone were adipokinetic in immature and mature locusts. Doses of about 6 and 50 ng, respectively, produced minimal and maximal responses. RPCH selectively elevated locust hemolymph 1.2 diglycerides, but did not elevate hemolymph lipid levels in Leander.