The Follicle Cell Epithelium of Maturing Ovaries ofLocusta Migratoria:A New Biosynthetic Tissue for Ecdysone

Abstract
Follicle cells of maturing ovaries of Locusta migratoria are demonstrated to synthesize the molting hormone ecdysone (2.beta.,3.beta.,14.alpha.,22R,25-pentahydroxy-5.beta.-cholest-7-en-6-one). Studies of secretory kinetics under in vitro conditions show that the intensity of hormone secretion is strictly dependent on the stage of maturation of the excised ovaries.