Adipokinetic peptide hormone content and biosynthesis during locust development.

The content and biosynthesis of adipokinetic hormones (Lom-AKH-I, -II. and -III) were studied in larval stages and adults of Locusta migratoria. The amount of all three AKHs increases with age, although the patterns found for AKH-I and -II differ from that for AKH-III. Biosynthetic capacity of the corpus cardiacum for the three AKHs increases with age, particularly in larvae, whereas in adults this increase is only observed for AKH-III. The amounts of AKH-I and -II stored and their active biosynthesis greatly surpass the small quantities needed for mobilization of fuels during flight. The data for AKH-III suggest that this hormone may be important also during larval stages.