Cellular and Molecular Actions of Juvenile Hormone I. General Considerations and Premetamorphic Actions

This chapter describes the premetamorphic actions and general consideration of cellular and molecular actions of juvenile hormone (JH). The chapter focuses on the biological role of JH and of the prevailing concepts of the modes of actions of hormones. It also concentrates on the premetamorphic actions of JH and the present understanding of the molecular basis of this action. Juvenile hormone (JH) has been known to be critical for the regulation of both metamorphosis and reproduction in insects. JH has been isolated and chemically identified as a sesquiterpenoid. The biological effects of various JHAs are remarkably similar to those of the natural JHs, allowance being made for differences in effective dose and stability. Extraction of JH from a natural source suggests the use of this hormone as a pesticide, as it can be absorbed through an insect's cuticle and prevent normal development, and would presumably be refractory to development of resistance.