Abstract:
The decapeptide trypsin modulating oostatic factor
(TMOF) is oostatic when introduced too early in a gonotrophic cycle of the female mosquito, Aedes aegypti. The possibility that Aedes-TMOF-derived synthetic peptides
and peptide mimics may affect egg development through
modulating trypsin biosynthesis was evaluated in the mosquito, A. aegypti and on the stable fly, S. calcitrans. Additionally, a search for an ovary-derived factor similar
in properties to the Aedes-TMOF was conducted. Oostatic
activity in Aedes-TMOF peptides and peptide mimics varied
from being oostatic to toxic to no effect.