Absorption and excretion of benzpyrene in the cockroach (Periplaneta americana)

Résumé Le benzopyrène le pyrène et l'anthracène peuvent être révélés au moyen du spectrophotomètre dans les extraits de tissu des blattes (Periplaneta americana) nourries avec ces hydrocarbures; ils sont excrétés lorsqu'on interrompt l'alimentation.

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Supported by grant CA 01469-11 from the National Cancer Institute, Public Health Service.     

Nerve growth in cockroaches (Periplaneta americana) with rotated ganglia

Summary The axons of motorneurons in rotated cockroach ganglia grow into the limb opposite the one they normally innervate and appear to synapse with appropriate muscles. Apparently the classification of motorneurons is duplicated about the mid-line.I thankNan Cowan for her expert technical assistance.     

Rhythmicity of aminotransferase in the cockroach,Periplaneta americana

Summary Aspartate (AAT) and alanine aminotransferase (AIAT) activities in nervous system and coxal leg muscle of the cockroach showed circadian variations with maximal activity around midnight, alternating with minimal activity at 12.00 noon of the solar day. The enhanced activity levels of the enzymes observed during night dark hours may be related to higher energy requirements during increased locomotor activity of the animals.We thank Prof. K. S. Swami, for providing facilities. The financial help rendered by UGC and CSIR, in the form of Junior (to SV) and Senior (to TPK) Research Fellowships is acknowledged.     

The effects of diltiazem on Periplaneta americana

The effects of the calcium antagonist diltiazem on nerve and muscle in the cockroach Periplaneta americana were examined. Diltiazem was observed to inhibit myogenic and glutamate-induced contractions of the visceral muscle while having either a potentiating, an inhibiting or a biphasic effect against proctolin-induced contractions. Against the isolated nervous system, diltiazem induced an increase in spontaneous discharge activity, followed by nerve block. Injection of diltiazem into cockroaches produced behavioral and toxic effects.     

Gnawing activity,dietary carbohydrate deficiency and oothecal production in the American cockroach (Periplaneta americana)

Summary The gnawing activity of adult female cockroaches was assessed by the dry weight loss of cotton fibre supplied to individual insects. In animals maintained on a carbohydrate-deficient diet the use of fibre was significantly less than in animals receiving a balanced diet. A comparison with controls showed that under both dietary regimes access to a fibre source did not significantly increase the mean, total number of oothecae produced.     

Location of the sex pheromone in the American cockroach,Periplaneta americana (L.)

Zusammenfassung Das Vorkommen von Sexualpheromon wurde an dem Werbeverhalten von selektierten einzelnen Männchen getestet. Das Pheromon kommt in larvalen und adulten Insekten beiderlei Geschlechts vor, wird aber von geschlechtsreifen Weibchen in grösseren Mengen produziert. Es kommt hauptsächlich im Kopf vor und wird wahrscheinlich an Orten modifizierter Körperdecke abgesondert.     

Thermal acclimatory responses of salivary amylase of Periplaneta americana (Linn.)

Summary A differential thermal acclimatory response of salivary amylase is evident in P. americana-nymphs demonstrating a translational and males a rotational pattern, while females exhibit the translational cum rotational pattern (Prosser's type IV-D).     

Increased rate of melanization in hemolymph of American cockroaches (Periplaneta americana) and house crickets (Acheta domesticus) intoxicated by insecticides

Treatment of house crickets and American cockroaches with any one of a variety of insecticides increased the rate of melanization in hemolymph incubated with diphenol substrates.     

Increased rate of melanization in hemolymph of American cockroaches (Periplaneta americana) an house crickets (Acheta domesticus) intoxicated by insecticides

Summary Treatment of house crickets and American cockroaches with any one of a variety of insecticides increased the rate of melanization in hemolymph incubated with diphenol substrates.     

Vital staining of neurosecretory material with acridine orange in the insect,Periplaneta americana

Résumé On expose une méthode rapide de la coloration vitale à l'acridine orange des produits de neurosécrétion dans le tissu nerveux des insectes. Irradiés avec la lumière bleue, tout les types connus de produits de neurosécrétions entrent en fluorescence en prenant une teinte métachromique rouge.

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I am indebted to Prof.B. Johnson for helpful suggestions and criticisms. This study was supported by a University of Tasmania Research Grant and the author has received financial support from I.C.I.A.N.Z. and University of Tasmania Post-Graduate Scholarships.     

Chiasmate type of meiosis in the roachNauphoeta cinerea (Oliver) (Fam: Blattidae)

Résumé Nauphoeta cinerea est un des Cafards chez lesquels le chiasma de la méiose a été nettement observé. Ce cas vient à l'appui de l'assertion deSuomalainen selon laquelle des chiasmas se présenteraient sous une forme soit «cachée» soit «visible» chez tous les Cafards. La «méiose sans chiasma» queJohn etLewis supposent existes au moins chezP. americana n'est pas non plus confirmée par nos recherches.

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I wish to thank one of the research scholars of the Department, Mr. V. L.Kallapur, for sparing readily some specimens of the roach for my work. Constructive criticisms by my colleague Dr. R. M.Patil are also acknowledged.     

Features of intracellular calcium distribution in the adipose tissue of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR)

The in vitro study of the kinetics of 45Ca efflux from adipose tissue of rats reveals 3 pools of exchangeable calcium. Calcium content in the intracellular pools of adipose tissue of spontaneously hypertensive rats is increased as compared to that in normotensive controls.     

Neurosecretory control of Corpora allata activity in cockroach,Periplaneta americana L.

Summary The brain neurosecretory material is involved in the control of Corpora allata activity during post-embryonic development. A high concentration of neurosecretory material within the Corpora allata restrains the activity of the gland.