Larval Ring Gland Dissection: Isolation of Developmental Endocrine Organs from Drosophila

- To dissect the ring gland, you will need a dissecting microscope, two forceps, a fine gauge needle to serve as a dissecting knife, and a buffered solution. Find the ring gland by identifying the head of the larvae, which contains the mouth hooks. Travel along the length of the larvae to find the brain, which is between the thorax and the abdominal sections. The ring gland is smaller than the brain and is situated on top.

The larval ring gland is a complex endocrine structure that contains three different endocrine organs. The corpus allatum sits in the center of the ring gland and produces juvenile hormone, which regulates development and aging. The prothoracic gland surrounds the corpus allatum and makes up the majority of the structure. Ecdysone, a hormone involved in insect malting, is made by this gland. Below the prothoracic gland is the corpus cardiacum, which produces adipokinetic hormone, a nutrient regulator.

In this example, we will dissect larval brains and ring glands for immunohistochemistry.

- After preparing the larvae, start the course dissection in a three-centimeter dish filled with PBS under a dissecting microscope. First, grip the mouth hook with forceps. Then