Neurohormones are among the most important signal substances in the animal organism. Based on the pioneering work of Manfred Gersch and the investigations of Heinz Penzlin in the field of neurosecretion, the research group has made a number of fundamental contributions to the knowledge of neurohormones in invertebrates.
The aim of the Jena group is to investigate the structure and mechanisms of selected neurohormones in insects with two main focuses. The neurohormone D, which was discovered in Jena and whose chemical structure was elucidated in the group, is a neuropeptide that controls the activity of the insect heart and has a modulating effect on nerve cells. Electrophysiological and pharmacological methods are used to investigate the mechanisms of action of this and other neurohormones on the ion channels of nerve cell membranes.
The second focus is on the control of post-embryonic development in insects. The moult of insects is regulated by the interaction of neurohormones and steroid hormones. In cockroaches and lepidoptera a neuropeptide (prothoracotropic hormone) could be evidenced, which is produced in the brain and stimulates the moulting gland to release the moulting hormone, a steroid, as well as the involvement of the nervous system in the control of the moulting glands. These functional relationships between the nervous system and the endocrine system are investigated using physiological, biochemical and molecular biological methods.