Insect Endocrinology

About this book

The endocrinological control of the numerous processes associated with the physiology and development of insects has been the subject of extensive research during the past decade. This monograph presents a wide range of information on the insect endocrine system. Particular attention is given to the mechanism of action of insect hormones during growth and metamorphosis, with special reference to the functioning of the organism as a whole. The role of insect hormones in reproduction, diapause and the regulation of metabolism and behaviour is discussed. The prospects for insect hormones as insecticides are also considered.

Contents

Preface. 1. Introduction to Insect Endocrinology. Outline history. Fundamental problems of insect endocrinology. Contemporary problems of insect endocrinology. 2. The Insect Endocrine System. General characteristics of the insect endocrine system. The insect neurosecretory system. Corpora allata. Prothoracic glands. 3. Methods and Techniques in Insect Endocrinology. Elimination of insect endocrine centres. Implantation of endcorine glands. Parabiosis. Culture of endocrine glands in vitro. Histochemical methods. Pharmacological methods. Methods of assaying hormone activity. Investigation of eclosion hormone activity. Determination of activity of other insect hormones. 4. Hormonal Regulation of Insect Growth and Metamorphosis. General characteristics of insect development. Hormones associated with development and metamorphosis. 5. Hormonal Regulation of Insect Reproduction. Characteristics of the reproductive system. Female gonads. Hormonal regulation of egg maturation. Regulation of the reproductive processes in males. 6. Insect Diapause. General characteristics of diapause. Environmental factors and diapause. Hormonal regulation of dipause. 7. Hormonal Regulation of Insect Metabolism. Hormonal regulation of respiratory metabolism. Carbohydrate metabolism. Lipid metabolism. Amino acid metabolism. 8. Hormones and Insect Behaviour. General characteristics of hormonal regulation of insect behaviour. Hormonal regulation of reproductive behaviour in insects. Hormonal regulation of insect behaviour during development and metamorphosis. Hormonal regulation of insect locomotor activity. 9. Insect Hormones as Insecticides. General characteristics of third generation insecticides. Juvenoids. Ecdysoids. Antihormones. Index.

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