title: Ecdysteroids in adults of the nematode, Dirofilaria immitis.
abstract: Adult males and females of the dog heartworm, Dirofilaria immitis, were extracted separately and, following separation of the free and conjugated ecdysteroid fractions, the conjugates were hydrolysed enzymically. Both the ecdysteroids released by hydrolysis of the conjugates and the free hormones were further purified and analysed by a combination of radioimmunoassay, thin-layer chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography monitoring fractions by radioimmunoassay, and by gas-liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (selected ion monitoring). Both males and females contained free and conjugated ecdysteroids. Evidence was obtained for the presence of ecdysone, 20-hydroxyecdysone, 20,26-dihydroxyecdysone and possibly ponasterone A. The possible parallel between ecdysteroid endocrinology in nematodes and insects is discussed.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D002855:Chromatography, Thin Layer; D004183:Dirofilaria immitis / Q000032:analysis*; D004285:Dogs; D004440:Ecdysone / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000032:analysis* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D004441:Ecdysterone / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000032:analysis* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D005260:Female; D005370:Filarioidea / Q000032:analysis*; D008401:Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; D007301:Insect Hormones / Q000032:analysis* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D008297:Male; D011863:Radioimmunoassay
chemical_list: D007301:Insect Hormones; D004440:Ecdysone; D004441:Ecdysterone