Methyl farnesoate increases molting hormone release from crab molting glands in the lab

Ecdysteroid secretion by Y-organs of the crab, Cancer magister, increased significantly when stimulated with methyl farnesoate (MF).

• Isolated Y-organs incubated with mandibular organs secreted higher levels of ecdysteroids compared to those without mandibular organs.
• Y-organs exposed to various concentrations of MF secreted significantly more ecdysteroids after 24 hours than control groups.
• Higher concentrations of MF and longer incubation times led to a greater increase in ecdysteroid secretion.
• The response to MF was specific to its (2E,6E) isomer, as other forms of MF and related compounds did not stimulate ecdysteroid secretion.
• The primary ecdysteroid secreted by Y-organs comigrates with authentic ecdysone, indicating a direct link between MF and ecdysteroid production.

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