|
Vol. 45 No. 3, 2006
Influence of Metyrapone on the Morphology of Hemocytes of the
Egyptian Cotton Leafworm Spodoptera littoralis (Boisd.)
Ivan Gelbi1,*, Jana Strbá ková1, and Josef Berger2
1Institute of Entomology AS CR, Department of Morphology, Brani ovská 31, 370 05 eské Bud jovice, Czech Republic
2Faculty of Health and Social Studies, University of South Bohemia, Brani ovská 31, 370 05 eské Bud jovice, Czech Republic
Ivan Gelbi , Jana Strbá ková, and Josef Berger (2006) The morphology of hemocytes in Spodoptera littoralis
(Boisd) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and the effects of metyrapone on the
differential count were studied. Four types of hemocytes were found in
the hemolymph of S. littoralis:
plasmatocytes, granulocytes, spherulocytes, and oenocytoides. The
proportion of hemocytes slightly changed during development, but
plasmatocytes were the most numerous in all studied instars.
Application of metyrapone caused developmental changes accompanied by
variations in the differential count (i.e., the relative count) of
granulocytes. Metyrapone induced higher metabolism in comparison with
untreated specimens and resulted in precocious larval-pupal
transformations. The body weight of treated larvae was higher, and the
length of the last larval instar was shorter by 3 d in comparison with
control animals. The significant decrease of granulocytes in the last
larval instar treated with metyrapone simulated the differential count
in older control animals. Observed changes following metyrapone
administration were similar to the induction of a faster process of
aging.
Key words: Hemocyte, Morphology, Spodoptera littoralis, Development, Metyrapone.
*Correspondence: E-mail:gelbic@entu.cas.cz
|
