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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Maricopa, Arizona » U.S. Arid Land Agricultural Research Center » Pest Management and Biocontrol Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #242433
Title: Radiochemical Assay of Juvenile Hormone Biosynthesis Rate in Ants

Author
item Brent, Colin
item DOLEZAL, ADAM - Arizona State University

Submitted to: Cold Spring Harbor Protocols
Publication Type: Research Notes
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/16/2009
Publication Date: 7/29/2009
Citation: Brent, C.S., Dolezal, A. 2009. Radiochemical Assay of Juvenile Hormone Biosynthesis Rate in Ants. Cold Spring Harbor Protocols.

Interpretive Summary: Juvenile hormone (JH) is an important insect hormone known to have many effects on development, reproduction,and behavior in both solitary and social insects. This protocol describes how to quantify in vitro biosynthesis rates from excised corpora allata (CA), the glands responsible for JH production. Excised glands are incubated with radiolabeled methionine, resulting in the production of radiolabeled JH III, which can then be quantified. This protocol is most useful when quantification of the activity of the glands, rather than circulating JH levels, is desired. Its difficulties lie primarily in the ability to remove and handle the glands correctly.

Technical Abstract: Juvenile hormone (JH) is an important insect hormone known to have many effects on development, reproduction,and behavior in both solitary and social insects. This protocol describes how to quantify in vitro biosynthesis rates from excised corpora allata (CA), the glands responsible for JH production. Excised glands are incubated with radiolabeled methionine, resulting in the production of radiolabeled JH III, which can then be quantified. This protocol is most useful when quantification of the activity of the glands, rather than circulating JH levels, is desired. Its difficulties lie primarily in the ability to remove and handle the glands correctly.