Immunohistochemical evidence for ecdysteroid-like material in the putative molting glands of Lithobius forficatus (Chilopoda).

Ecdysteroid-like material was demonstrated by means of immunohistochemistry in the anterior body region of Lithobius forficatus with the use of an antiserum against an ecdysone-methoxim-BSA-conjugate in conjunction with a modified PAP-method (Sternberger and Joseph 1979). This material is restricted to a tissue formed by podocytes loosely surrounding the salivary glands. Earlier ultrastructural, experimental and biochemical in vitro investigations indicated that this tissue represents the ecdysial glands; this interpretation is now strengthened by immunohistochemical evidence. Reactivity within the cells occurs predominantly in cytosomes.