Regulation of Neurohormone Synthesis in Insects

本研究将以高海藻素（HTH）为模型，研究昆虫神经激素的合成和分泌。HTH属于广泛存在于昆虫中的脂肪动力学/红色素浓缩激素家族。这些激素都刺激脂肪体营养储存的动员，以提高循环代谢物的能量。HTH还在脂肪体线粒体成熟过程中刺激血红素合成，并与少年激素协同作用，促进蛋白质合成。因此，HTH通过影响能量生产/消耗来调节昆虫基础代谢是至关重要的。测量HTH的合成分泌将通过心脏体与ı3H孵育！色氨酸的测定量ı3H！用反相色谱法和闪烁光谱法形成HTH。这项研究将检查HTH的合成和分泌与一系列生理变量的关系，这些生理变量包括：年龄、性别、昼夜节律、喂养、内分泌滴度和神经系统其他部分的影响。本研究将为进一步研究生理效应物如何调控高等动物神经激素基因表达提供数据基础。动物对环境变化作出反应的生理变化是由神经系统介导的，而神经系统又产生和分泌神经激素、多肽激素。该提案描述了一种神经激素的研究，即蟑螂Blaberus diskidalis的高海藻素（HTH），这种激素参与动员昆虫脂肪体的能量储备。本项目将分离编码HTH的基因，从基因水平研究HTH合成的生理调控。该结果将为神经激素在控制对环境刺激的生理反应中的作用提供基本信息。这些基本资料在今后虫害防治领域的应用也可能是有用的。//

The proposed research will examine neurohormone synthesis and secretion in insects using the hypertrehalosemic hormone (HTH) as the model. HTH belongs to the adipokinetic/red pigment- concentrating hormone family that is widespread among insects. These hormones all stimulate mobilization of fat body nutrient stores to elevate circulating metabolites for energy. HTH also stimulates heme synthesis during fat body mitochondrial maturation and acts synergistically with juvenile hormone to enhance protein synthesis. Hence, HTH is critical for regulating insect basal metabolism through effects on energy production/consumption. Measurements of HTH synthesis-secretion will be made by incubating corpora cardiaca with ı3H!tryptophan and determine the amount of ı3H!HTH formed using reversed-phase chromatography and scintillation spectrometry. The research will examine HTH synthesis-secretion relative to a series of physiological variables that include: age, sex, circadian rhythms, feeding, endocrine titers and effects by other parts of the nervous system. This research will provide a base of data for future investigations into how physiological effectors control neurohormone gene expression in higher animals. Physiological changes in response to environmental changes in animals are mediated by the nervous system and, in turn, by neurohormones, peptide hormones that are produced and secreted by the nervous system. This proposal describes studies on one such neurohormone, the hypertrehalosemic hormone (HTH) of the cockroach Blaberus discoidalis, a hormone involved in the mobilization of energy reserves from the fat body of the insect. The project will isolate the gene encoding HTH, and will study the physiological regulation of HTH synthesis at the gene level. The results should provide basic information about the role of neurohormones in controlling physiological responses to environmental stimuli. Such basic information may also be useful in future applications in the area of insect pest control.//