Insect diuretic and antidiuretic hormones

• Published in: Advances in Insect Physiology Vol. 29; pp. 279 - 409
• Main Authors: Coast, Geoffrey M, Orchard, Ian, Phillips, John E, Schooley, David A
• Format: Book Chapter Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Science & Technology 2002
• ISBN: 9780120242290; 012024229X
• ISSN: 0065-2806; 2213-6800
• DOI: 10.1016/S0065-2806(02)29004-9

The excretory system of insects comprises the Malpighian tubules and hindgut (ileum and rectum), the functions of which are controlled by diuretic and antidiuretic hormones. Strategies that have been used for the isolation, purification and characterisation of factors (putative hormones) that influence Malpighian tubule secretion and hindgut reabsorption in vitro are reviewed, along with information about their receptors, second messengers, effects on ion transport and structure/activity relationships. This is followed by a detailed description of the immunocytochemical localisation of identified diuretic and antidiuretic factors in neurosecretory cells and in neurohaemal organs from where they might be released into the haemolymph. Consideration is then given to the evidence for these factors functioning as circulating neurohormones to regulate Malpighian tubule secretion and hindgut reabsorption in vivo, and to how their activities are integrated for the maintenance of haemolymph volume and composition. Finally, mention is made of the potential use of diuretic and antidiuretic hormone agonists and/or antagonists as novel insecticides that act by disrupting the endocrine control of the excretory system.