Oogenesis in Lucilia Cuprina (Wied.) (Diptera: Calliphoridae). Ii. The Effect of Aziridinyl Chemosterilants on Oogenesis.

Abstract

Inhibition of ovarian development in L. cuprina by two aziridinyl chemosterilants, N,N'-hexamethylenebis(1-aziridinecarboxamide) and N. N'bisaziridinyl-N"-cyclohexylphosphine sulphide, was due to the direct effect of the sterilants on the ovary. The sterilants caused infecundity by interfering with mitosis in the follicle cells. Contrary to the accepted view, no evidence was obtained to suggest that infecundity resulted from inhibition of endomitosis in the nurse cell nuclei. Neither sterilant prevented the digestion of protein by the midgut, nor did they prevent the endocrine system and fat body from functioning.