The influence of hormones on the lipid profile in the fat body of insects

Authors

  • M Cerkowniak Laboratory of Analysis of Natural Compounds, Department of Environmental Analysis, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdańsk, ul. Wita Stwosza 63, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland
  • A Ostachowska Laboratory of Analysis of Natural Compounds, Department of Environmental Analysis, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdańsk, ul. Wita Stwosza 63, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland
  • M Słocińska Department of Animal Physiology and Development, Adam Mickiewicz University, Umultowska 89, 61-614 Poznan, Poland
  • G Rosiński Department of Animal Physiology and Development, Adam Mickiewicz University, Umultowska 89, 61-614 Poznan, Poland
  • P Stepnowski Laboratory of Chemical Environmental Risks, Department of Environmental Analysis, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdańsk, ul. Wita Stwosza 63, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland
  • M Gołębiowski Laboratory of Analysis of Natural Compounds, Department of Environmental Analysis, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdańsk, ul. Wita Stwosza 63, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland

Keywords:

fat body, adipokinetic hormone, sulfakinins, insects, Zophobas atratus

Abstract

Peptide hormones play a special role in the neuroendocrine systems of insects and affect a
number of physiological processes related to their development, reproduction and behavior. The lipid content in the fat body of insects is closely correlated with the work of the endocrine glands. The lipid profile of the fat body of the Zophobas atratus beetle reveals a predominant proportion of triacylglycerols when compared to free fatty acids and other lipid compounds, such as fatty acid esters, fatty alcohols and sterols. Although it may depend on the stage of the insects’ development, the disparate impacts of the adipokinetic hormone (AKH) on the lipid content in the fat bodies of the feeding larvae and the non-feeding pupae of Z. atratus, may signify the different roles this hormone plays in the indirect control of the insects’ metabolism.

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Published

2015-08-03

Issue

Vol. 12 No. 1 (2015)

Section

Review