Action of pheromone biosynthesis activating neuropeptide on In vitro pheromone glands of Heliothis armigera females

Abstract Pheromone glands of Heliothis armigera were stimulated in vitro to incorporate 14 C from the radioactive precursor sodium acetate, in the presence of synthetic pheromone biosynthesis activating neuropeptide (PBAN). When hexane extracts of the radioactive products were analysed by TLC and HPLC the radioactivity corresponded in retention time to the main pheromone component ( Z )-11-hexadecenal. Maximal stimulation, as depicted by TLC analysis, was observed after 4 h of incubation. The PBAN response was shown to be dose dependent, maximal levels, as analysed by TLC, were obtained at a concentration of 5 pmol/gland. This response was shown to be mediated by cAMP.