OVARIAN ECDYSONE ELICITS RELEASE OF A MYOTROPIC OVULATION HORMONE IN<i>RHODNIUS</i>(INSECTA: HEMIPTERA)

Abstract

The hemolymph titres of ecdysteroids in both mated and virgin females peak 5 days after a blood meal. Ovariectomy prevents both the peak in ecdysteroids and the release of a myotropic ovulation hormone from the neurosecretory cells of the brain. Injection of ecdysterone into ovariectomized females results in the release of ovulation hormone in the mated, but not the virgin, female.