Indolamines and onset of vitellogenesis in the imaginal molt-decapitated cockroach Blaberus craniifer Burm.

1. The effects of 5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid and N-acetyl-5-hydroxytryptamine on oocytes of Blaberus craniifer, in which vitellogenesis was prevented by imaginal molt decapitation, were investigated. 2. Sites binding anti-egg-protein antibodies were detected in the periphery of basal oocytes of treated females, with individual variability. 3. In this ovoviviparous cockroach, the onset of vitellogenesis may thus not be triggered solely by juvenile hormone, and indolamines may play a role in the uptake of haemolymphatic proteins by oocytes.