title: Localization and physiological effects of RFamides in the corpora allata of the cockroach Diploptera punctata in relation to allatostatins.
abstract: The distribution of FMRFamide immunoreactivity in the brain-retrocerebral complex of adult female Diploptera punctata was examined. Immunoreactivity was observed in the brain and corpus allatum as well as in the corpus cardiacum. Immunoreactivity co-localized with allatostatin immunoreactivity within several lateral neurosecretory cells of the brain and in their endings within the corpus allatum. By in vitro radiochemical assay of juvenile hormone release, the effect of two native D. punctata RFamides, an FLRFamide (Leucomyosuppressin) and an FIRFamide were examined. The latter, for which the sequence (SKPANFIRFamide) is reported here, stimulated juvenile hormone release but acted only on corpora allata from females at the end of vitellogenesis (day 6). The interaction of these two RFamides and three D. punctata allatostatins, Dippu-AST 2, 5, and 7 were similarly examined. Only Dippu-AST 2 stimulated release of RFamides from the corpora allata and only on day 6 whereas both RFamides were able to attenuate the inhibitory activity of Dippu-AST 2.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biological Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Stay
authors.forename: J R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: R D
authors.initials: RD
authors.lastname: Kwok
authors.forename: S S
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Tobe
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D003058:Cockroaches / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D003335:Corpora Allata / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000187:drug effects*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D019835:FMRFamide / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D019476:Insect Proteins / Q000032:analysis / Q000494:pharmacology; D009479:Neuropeptides / Q000032:analysis* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology*; D009928:Organ Specificity; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D019476:Insect Proteins; D009479:Neuropeptides; C076523:allatostatin; C058047:arginylphenylalaninamide; D019835:FMRFamide