The excretory system of insects comprises the Malpighian tubules and hindgut (ileum and
rectum), the functions of which are controlled by diuretic and antidiuretic hormones.
Strategies that have been used for the isolation, purification and characterisation of factors
(putative hormones) that influence Malpighian tubule secretion and hindgut reabsorption in
vitro are reviewed, along with information about their receptors, second messengers, effects
on ion transport and structure/activity relationships. This is followed by a detailed description …

ABSTRACT A diverse group of peptides are implicated in the control of Malpighian tubule
and hindgut function in insects. They are the products of neurosecretory cells in the brain
and ventral nerve cord ganglia and are present in identified neurohemal structures from
where they can be released into the circulation to function as diuretic and/or antidiuretic
hormones. Receptors are known for some, and they couple to cAMP, cGMP, or Ca 2+
signaling pathways to regulate a variety of transport processes.