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Science 8 February 1974:
Vol. 183. no. 4124, pp. 529 - 530
DOI: 10.1126/science.183.4124.529
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Articles

Biosynthesis of agr-Ecdysone by Prothoracic Glands in vitro

Haruo Chino 1, Syo Sakurai 1, Tetsuya Ohtaki 2, Nobuo Ikekawa 3, Hiroshi Miyazaki 4, Masataka Ishibashi 4, and Hideo Abuki 4

1 Biological Institute, University of Tokyo, Komaba, Meguro, Tokyo, Japan
2 Department of Entomology, National Institute of Health, Kamiosaki, Shinagawa, Tokyo
3 Laboratory of Chemistry for Natural Products, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Ohkayama, Meguro, Tokyo
4 Research Laboratories, Pharmaceutical Division, Nippon Kayaku Company, Simo, Kita, Tokyo

An in vitro study in which isolated prothoracic glands of the Bombyx silkworm were cultured has provided definite evidence that the prothoracic gland is the site where molting hormone is synthesized. The hormone behaved very similarly to free ecdysone on thin-layer chromatography. Analysis by liquid chromatography and mass fragmentography revealed that the hormone is identical with agr-ecdysone.


THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN CITED BY OTHER ARTICLES:
Larval Testes of the Tobacco Budworm: A New Source of Insect Ecdysteroids.
M. J. LOEB, C. W. WOODS, E. P. BRANDT, and A. B. BOAKOVEC (1982)
Science 218, 896-898
   Abstract »    PDF »
3,beta-Hydroxy-5agr-cholestan-6-one: A Possible Precursor of agr-Ecdysone Biosynthesis.
S. SAKURAI, N. IKEKAWA, T. OHTAKI, and H. CHINO (1977)
Science 198, 627-629
   Abstract »    PDF »


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