The influence of dietary l-azetidine-2-carboxylic acid on catecholamine levels in the hemolymph and cuticle of the corn earworm, Helicoverpa zea

摘要: Abstract The influence of L-azetidine-2-carboxylic acid (AZC) on catecholamine levels in the hemolymph and cuticle corn earworm, Helicoverpa zea , was investigated. Feeding earworm larvae a diet supplemented with AZC significantly reduced dopamine (DA) N-β-alanyldopamine (NBAD) by at least 2–3-fold to lesser extent, N-acetyldopamine (NADA). This suggests that has an inhibitory mechanisms involved DA synthesis, catabolism or transport. NBAD major both H. . Catecholamines were generally low concentration during larval feeding period but increased highest larval-pupal transformation. Conversely, day one fifth instar then decreased thereafter. other catecholamines higher fed than controls not concentrations remained throughout instars, about 5–10 times lower hemolymph. pattern temporal distribution transformation this species such high through post-wandering behavior, cuticle. became abundantly available for pupal sclerotization after pupation had occurred.