Stimulation de la synthèse de vitellogénine chez le mâle de Rhodnius prolixus (Stål) par un mimétique de l'hormone juvénile

Abstract

The effect of the juvenile hormone analogue methoprene on the stimulation of vitellogenin synthesis was examined in male Rhodnius prolixus using rocket immunoelectrophoresis. The concentration of haemolymphatic vitellogenin was increased in a dose-dependent fashion by applying methoprene topically in quantities ranging from 2 to 20 μg. Repeated treatment with 10 to 20 μg amplified the response. Cytological modifications of the fat body resulted from the treatment. Sexual dimorphism of the fat body disappeared after treatment with 5 μg methoprene. A single dose of 10 μg resulted in the specialization of adipocytes for protein synthesis, a characteristic found in the adipocytes of vitellogenic females.