Effect of triol and makisterone A on the haemocytes ofHieroglyphus nigrorepletus Bolivar (Orthoptera: Acrididae)

Abstract

Fifth instar hoppers (48 h old) ofHieroglyphus nigrorepletus were injected with different sub-lethal doses (0·5, 1, 2, 4 and 6 μg/hopper) of triol — and makisterone A, after 3 days the haemocytes of these hoppers were selectively damaged. The granular haemocytes, being the most susceptible cells were completely damaged even by the weakest dose of triol and makisterone A. Prohaemocytes and plasmatocytes were intensely damaged by 1 μg of makisterone A, 2 and 1 μg doses of triol respectively. However, oenocytoids were comparatively resistant cells, but they were also damaged by 2 μg triol and 4 μg makisterone A. Following the emergence of adults from the treated hoppers after 3 days, both granular haemocytes and plasmatocytes were indistinguishable with respect to even weakest dose of both the hormones. Comparatively prohaemocytes were less damaged and could be recognized in adults affected with 1 and 2 μg of makisterone A and triol respectively. However, oenocytoids were completely disintegrated in adults emerged from the hoppers injected with 1 and 2 μg of triol and makisterone A respectively. In adults of both sexes, respective haemocytes developed almost similar pathological condition with regard to each dose.