Myostimulatory neuropeptides in cockroaches: structures, distribution, pharmacological activities, and mimetic analogs

In this brief overview we give the historical background on the discovery o f myostimulatory neuropeptides in cockroaches. Related peptides were later found in other insect groups as well. We summarize the current knowledge on primary structures, localization, physiological and pharmacological effect s of the different cockroach neuropeptides, including kinins, sulfakinins, pyrokinins, tachykinin-related peptides, periviscerokinins, corazonin, and proctolin. In addition, we briefly comment on the development of mimetic ps eudopeptide analogs in the context of their possible use in insect pest man agement. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.