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The effect of invertebrate hormones and potential hormone inhibitors on the third larval moult of the filarial nematode, Dirofilaria immitis, in vitro

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 April 2009

E. V. Warbrick
Affiliation:
Department of Parasitology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA
G. C. Barker
Affiliation:
Department of Parasitology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA
H. H. Rees
Affiliation:
Department of Biochemistry, University of Liverpool, PO Box 147, Liverpool L69 3BX
R. E. Howells
Affiliation:
Department of Parasitology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA

Summary

The effects of the insect hormones, ecdysone and 20-hydroxyecdysone, certain non-steroidal ecdysteroid agonists (RH compounds) and the inhibitor, azadirachtin, on the timing of the 3rd-stage moult of Dirofilaria immitis were investigated. 20-Hydroxyecdysone and RH 5849 when used at a concentration of 10−5 M, resulted in a premature timing of this moult. Azadiracthin, at a similar concentration, prevented moulting of most of the larvae to the 4th stage. The results are discussed in relation to the possibility of a hormonal role for ecdysteroids and neuropeptide-like compounds in the control of ecdysis in filarial nematodes, that maybe somewhat comparable to the system which is found in insects.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1993

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