Sharma P K, Bahadur J
Mech Ageing Dev. 1982 Sep;20(1):49-52. doi: 10.1016/0047-6374(82)90073-2.
Quantitative changes in the total protein in the brain of aging male and female Periplaneta americana have been observed. A significant increase of total protein and neurosecretory cells in the brain up to 5 months, followed by a considerable decline in later age, points to a direct relationship between the neurosecretory cell number and reproductive phenomenon. Higher total protein concentration and cell number maintain reproduction up to 5 months while a decline after 6 months of adult life adversely affects reproduction. This suggests that neurosecretory cell number and protein concentration are related to reproduction and thereby aging.