Vertebrate hormones in insects: the role of estrogen in silkworma review

Abstract

The presence of vertebrate hormones in invertebrates is a well-established fact. Their physiological roles are still far from clear in various invertebrate systems including insects. This review provides some positive evidence toward the establishment of the biological role of vertebrate hormones in silkworm, Bombyx mori Linnaeus, 1758, with special emphasis on sex steroids.