METABOLISM OF ECDYSTEROIDS DURING THE EMBRYOGENESIS OF MANDUCA-SEXTA

The combination of ion suppression, reverse phase high pressure liquid chromatography (IS-RPHPLC) and radioimmunoassay (RIA) employing two relatively non-specific, complimentary antisera was used to identify and quantify ecdysteroids of divergent polarities during embryogenesis of the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta. To investigate the putative role of ecdysteroids during the embryogenesis of Manduca sexta, their qualitative nature was determined and then the fluctuation of individual ecdysteroids during embryogenesis was followed. The origin and titers of the ecdysteroids that may act to coordinate morphogenetic events during embryogenesis were investigated.