EFFECTS OF ECDYSTERONE ON THE DEPOSITION OF COCKROACH CUTICLE IN VITRO

¹ Metabolism and Radiation Research Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service U.S. Department of Agriculture, Fargo, North Dakota 58102

Quantitative studies were made of the stimulation of cuticular deposition in cockroach leg regenerates in vitro by the molting hormone ecdysterone. Preliminary experiments showed that the hormone remained active and that the tissues remained sensitive in vitro for as long as 30 days. Large doses given one week apart resulted in the production of multiple cuticles, but small doses given at shorter intervals gave a single, cumulative response. Time-dosage studies showed that the concentration of the hormone and the length of exposure make roughly equal contributions to the effect of the dose.

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