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Evidence against the hypothesis that metacestodes of Hymenolepis diminuta inhibit corpora allata functioning in the intermediate host, Tenebrio molitor

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 April 2009

Hilary Hurd  and
R. J. Weaver
Hilary Hurd
Affiliation:
Parasitology Research Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Keele, Keele, Staffs ST5 5BG
R. J. Weaver
Affiliation:
Agricultural Food Research Council, Insect Chemistry and Physiology Group, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton BN1 9RQ
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Summary

Several of the pathophysiological responses made by the beetle Tenebrio molitor, when infected with metacestodes of Hymenolepis diminuta, may be attributed to a parasite-induced reduction in host juvenile hormone titre. It has been suggested that production of this hormone by the corpora allata may be inhibited in parasitized insects. This hypothesis was tested using an in vitro radiochemical assay to compare the biosynthesis of juvenile hormone by single pairs of corpora allata taken from mated 12- and 15-day-old infected and control female insects. The results demonstrate, however, that there was no difference in hormone production associated with metacestode infection. Other possible mechanisms for parasite interference in this host endocrine system are discussed.

Type
Research Article
Information
Parasitology , Volume 95 , Issue 1 , August 1987 , pp. 93 - 96
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1987

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