Adipokinetic neuropeptides

The existence of adipokinetic neuropeptides was identified in locusts based upon the elevation of hemolymph lipids by CC extracts (4,5). Subsequent isolation and structural definition of Lom-AKH-I ( provided the basis for defined studies on fat body lipid mobilization using synthetic peptide. 

The invertebrate peptides PCH (pigment-concentrating hormone 46) and AKH I (adipokinetic hormone 47) were the first neuropeptides from invertebrates to have their structure and synthesis described by L. Josefsson in 1983 94). 

The similarity of the crustacean blanching substance (Factor A) found in crustacean sinus glands and insect corpora cardiaca has been confirmed by the structural identification of a family of neuropeptides common to arthropods. The first identified member of this family is RPCH (red pigment concentrating hormone), an octapeptide (pGlu-Leu-Asn-Phe-Ser-Pro-Gly-Trp-amide) isolated from eyestalks of the shrimp Pandalus borealis (28). Shortly thereafter, a related peptide--designated as adipokinetic hormone (AKH)--was purified from locust... 

The analysis of neuropeptides in insects may lead to the development of both specific insect control strategies and model systems that clarify the role of neuropeptides in all animals. Therefore it is important to vigorously pursue neuropeptide studies and to exploit the available technologies to the fullest. This paper will review the importance of current recombinant DNA techniques to the study of neuropeptide biology. Studies of the adipokinetic hormone (AKH) family will be emphasized as examples, but other peptides will be mentioned to present a broader picture of the advantages and problems associated with the techniques. 

SCHAFFER AND NOYES Adipokinetic Hormone Neuropeptide Family 229... 

The first insect neuropeptide structurally identified in this class was adipokinetic hormone I (see Table I), isolated from the corpus cardiacum (CC) of L. migratoria... 

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