Abstract
Molting in insects is a complex process that begins with apolysis, extends through the production of a new cuticle, and ends with ecdysis and the expansion and hardening of the new skin. This process is controlled by an interplay between at least 5 hormones (see Riddiford and Truman, 1978, for a review), three of which are involved in the initiation and direction of the molt. The prothoracicotropic hormone (PTTH) from the brain exerts a tropic influence on the prothoracic glands, driving them to release aecdysone. This steroid is then converted by peripheral tissues to the active form, 20-hydroxyecdysone, which causes apolysis and the beginning of secretion of a new cuticle by the epidermis. The type of cuticle that is secreted is regulated by the titer of the third hormone, juvenile hormone. The final phases of the molt are controlled by 2 additional hormones: the eclosion hormone triggers the behavior involved in the shedding of the old cuticle, and bursicon stimulates the postecdysial tanning of the new cuticle.
This paper is dedicated to Professor Gottfried Fraenkel who has been a pioneer in the field of insect endocrinology and whose work continues to set standards for experimental endocrinology.
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© 1981 Plenum Press, New York
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Truman, J.W., Taghert, P.H. (1981). Hormonal Control of Pupal Ecdysis in the Tobacco Hornworm, Manduca Sexta. In: Bhaskaran, G., Friedman, S., Rodriguez, J.G. (eds) Current Topics in Insect Endocrinology and Nutrition. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4613-3210-7_11
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4613-3210-7_11
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