Brain factor fromGalleria mellonella (Lepidoptera) stimulating silk gland activity

Brain extracts from day 1–4 last instar larvae ofGalleria mellonella (Lepidoptera) stimulate RNA synthesis in cultured silk glands from day 3 last instar larvae. When the fibroin-synthesizing posterior parts of silk glands were incubated for 3 h in vitro in the presence of brain extract (0.1 brain equivalent), [³H]-uridine incorporation into RNA was stimulated more than twofold. The stimulating effect of brain extract showed a dose response relationship. It is suggested that the heat-resistant and protease-sensitive brain factor is a peptide.     

Effect of reserpine on the larval-pupal moult of the wax moth Galleria mellonella L. (Lepidoptera)

Significant retardation of G. mellonella development was induced by reserpine injected to the last instar larvae in doses having a long-lasting effect on the neurosecretory system.     

Distribution of CSF (colony stimulating factor) in kidney of the mouse.

The activity of the colony stimulating factor (SCF) was measured in kidney subcellular fractions in mice. The highest activity was noted in microsomes. From other fractions, the cytosol had large amounts of CSF. On the basis of literature data, and the findings presented we suggest that the kidney is at least one of the organs of CSF biosynthesis.     

Allatotropic activity of the median neurosecretory cells ofGalleria mellonella (lepidoptera) larval brain

Summary The brain allatotropic hormone (ATTH) is released inGalleria mellonella from the Median neurosecretory cells located in the pars intercerebralis. These cells show the ability to elicit supernumerary larval molts upon implantation into sensitive host larvae, and the ability to in vitro stimulate the juvenile hormone synthesis in corpora cardiaca-corpora allata glands ofG. mellonella.11 November 1986Acknowledgments. I am greatly indebted to Wesleyan University (Connecticut, USA) for supporting this study.     

Endocrine regulation of the bursa copulatrix and receptacle gland ofDanaus plexippus L. (Lepidoptera: Danaidae)

Summary Significant growth occurs in the bursa copulatrix and receptacle glands of female Monarch butterflies held in summer conditions after adult emergence. Removal of the corpora allata prevents this growth, but normal development occurs if juvenile hormone is injected into females lacking corpora allata.     

Distribution of CSF (colony stimulating factor) in kidney of the mouse

Summary The activity of the colony stimulating factor (CSF) was measured in kidney subcellular fractions in mice. The highest activity was noted in microsomes. From other fractions, the cytosol had large amounts of CSF. On the basis of literature data, and the findings presented we suggest that the kidney is at least one of the organs of CSF biosynthesis.     

Anti-feedant activity of the polyacetylene,phenylheptatriyne (PHT), from the Asteraceae toEuxoa messoria (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Summary Phenylheptatriyne (PHT), a polyacetylene from various species of Asteraceae reduced feeding and weight gain of larvae of the polyphagous insectEuxoa messoria when incorporated into an artificial diet at concentrations of 10–300 ppm. These results suggest a role as insect antifeedants for the widely distributed polyacetylenes of the Asteraceae.Acknowledgment. This work was supported by NSERC and Agriculture Canada (E.M.R.) We thank Dr R. J. Byers (Agriculture Canada) for eggs ofEuxoa. To whom reprint requests should be addressed.     

Evidences for a hypocalcemic factor from pituitary gland

Zusammenfassung In der Hypophyse wurde ein Faktor festgestellt, welcher die Ausschüttung von Thyreocalcitonin fördert. Die Ausschüttung dieses Kalzium-senkenden Hormones scheint einer hypophysären Regulation unterstellt zu sein.     

Invertase activity in the gut of 6th instar larvae ofSpodoptera mauritia Boisd. (Noctuidae,Lepidoptera)

Summary Invertase activity has been studied in the fore-, mid- and hindgut of the 6th instar larva ofSpodoptera mauritia. The highest activity was in the midgut except during the early hours of the larval period when the foregut showed comparatively increased activity. The hindgut invertase activity may be from the voiding of enzyme along with the undigested food.Acknowledgments. The authors wish to thank the Department of Zoology, for providing the facilities for this work. The senior author gratefully acknowledges the junior research fellowship from the University of Calicut.     

Pheromone XII. Männchenduftsoffe von Noctuiden (Lepidoptera)

Summary By gaschromatographic-mass spectrometric methods 2-phenylethyl alcohol, benzylalcohol, phenylacetaldehyde and benzaldehyde were identified from scent brushes of male Noctuidae species (Lepidoptera).     

Colony stimulating activity in acute and chronic endotoxinemia in man.

Blood granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating activity (GM CSF) was measured in 6 normal individuals challenged with low-dose endotoxin and in 63 unselected patients with nonhaematological disorders. 5/63 patients were febrile and 5 other patients whoed detectable endotoxin levels, as measured by the Limulus assay. CSA levels showed a rapid increase in normal individuals following endotoxin administration, but were in the normal range in patients with chronic endotoxinemia or in those with febrile disorders. Thus, unlike acute endotoxinemia, chronic endotoxinemia is not associated with elevated activity that promotes growth of myeloid commited stem cells. In addition, fever per se did not coincide with elevated blood CSA levels.