title: N-beta-Alanyldopamine: Major Role in Insect Cuticle Tanning.
abstract: N-beta-Alanyldopamine is the major tyrosine metabolite in the hemolymph and cuticle during pupal tanning in the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta L. Its concentration in hemolymph increases over 800-fold above larval levels by the start of tanning and decreases as the pupal cuticle darkens and hardens. It is a major catechol in species representing several insect orders and is the preferred substrate for pupal cuticular o-diphenol oxidase. In insects, N-beta-alanyldopamine appears to be the main precursor for tanning chemicals at certain developmental stages.
authors.forename: T L
authors.initials: TL
authors.lastname: Hopkins
authors.forename: T D
authors.initials: TD
authors.lastname: Morgan
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Aso
authors.forename: K J
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Kramer