ACTION OF PBAN AND RELATED PEPTIDES ON PHEROMONE BIOSYNTHESIS IN ISOLATED PHEROMONE GLANDS OF THE REDBANDED LEAFROLLER MOTH, ARGYROTAENIA-VELUTINANA

Isolated pheromone glands from the redbanded leafroller moth, Argyrota enia velutinana, were utilized to demonstrate the action of pheromone biosynthesis activating neuropeptide (PBAN) and bursa pheromonotropic peptide plus several other related peptides on pheromone biosynthesis. All peptides belonging to the PBAN family and the bursa peptide stimu lated pheromone biosynthesis as measured by pheromone titer and incorp oration of radiolabeled acetate. These peptides required the presence of extracellular Ca2+ for expression of full activity and several inor ganic Ca2+ channel blockers inhibited the stimulation of pheromone bio synthesis. The Ca2+ ionophore A23187 alone stimulated pheromone biosyn thesis as did a cAMP analogue. Stimulation by the cAMP analogue in the absence of extracellular Ca2+ was observed. Maximum pheromone titers were observed in 16 hr gland incubations; however, 2-6 hr incubations were required if pheromone biosynthesis was measured by incorporation of radiolabeled acetate. Radiolabeled glucose incorporation was not in creased in the presence of PBAN. These results are discussed in the co ntext of how the pheromone biosynthetic pathway is stimulated by these peptides.