Structure and Function of Primary Messengers in Invertebrates: Insect Diuretic and Antidiuretic Peptides

This volume examines the structure and function of newly discovered invertebrate peptides and potential hormones. Focus is placed on the regulators of salt and water balance in insects. In the opening chapter, Jacques Proux, who was the first to describe the structure of an insect diuretic peptide, presents his work on the arginine-vasopressin (AVP)-like diuretic hormone in the locust. The chapters which follow discuss the structure and function of other diuretic and antidiuretic peptides that have been isolated to date. The final chapter reviews the evidence for the role of these peptides in the regulation of extracellular fluid homeostasis in insects. Viewing the evolution of functional peptides from the unique perspective of invertebrate biology, this book will greatly interest biologists, zoologists and peptide chemists.