This is the first report on the structural identity of a neuropeptide of the insect order Grylloblattodea. A peptide was isolated and sequenced from the retrocerebral corpora cardiaca-corpora allata complex of the ice crawler, Galloisiana yuasai. The sequence of the peptide was deduced from the multiple MS(N) electrospray mass data as that of an octapeptide: pGlu-Val-Asn-Phe-Ser-Pro-Thr-Trp amide. The retention time on reversed-phase HPLC and the CID MS(2) mass spectra of a synthetic peptide with the same primary structure were exactly the same as of the natural peptide. The sequence represents a novel peptide of the adipokinetic hormone family which contains presently 50 members. The primary structure differs in only one position to a few previously discovered AKHs. A scenario is outlined that makes it likely that the most recently discovered insect order, the Mantophasmatodea, and the Grylloblattodea are closely related.
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