Role of monoamine metabolism in wing dimorphism of the aphid Myzus persicae

1. 1. Wing dimorphism of the aphid Myzus persicae which normally is regulated by a number of exogenic factors can be influenced by neuropharmaca. 2. 2. With micro-injections of drugs that are known to act on monoamine metabolism it is possible to direct the course of development towards the alate or apterous morph. 3. 3. Serotonergic activity inhibits elongation of epidermal wing bud cells; this effect is antagonized by adrenergic compounds. 4. 4. The effects of the drugs tested suggest that factors in the “milieu interieur” regulating differentiation of the wing bud are mediated by neurotransmitters.