Evidence for a Molt Inhibiting Hormone in the Barnacle 'Balanus improvisus' (Crustacea, Cirripedia).

摘要

The type of neuroendocrine system regulating molting hormone production in the Cirripedia was investigated. Eyestalk extracts of Uca pugilator, when injected into Stage C Balanus improvisus, had no effect on the time to ecdysis, but significantly increased the time to ecdysis when injected into Stage D sub o B. improvisus. Extracts prepared from the central nervous system of Stage C B. improvisus also significantly increased the time to ecdysis when injected into Stage D sub O animals. Injected CNS extracts of Stage D sub o B. improvisus had no effect on Stage C animals. These results suggest a molting hormone regulatory system for cirripeds that may be functionally similar to, or identical with the one operative in the malacostracans.