In search for non-steroidogenic functions of the prothoracic glands of the desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria: A peptidomic and proteomic approach

► Ecdysteroidogenesis is the only well established function of insect prothoracic glands (PGs). ► Locust prothoracic glands have a well developed rough endoplasmic reticulum: protein secretion? ► Our mass spectrometric analysis did not provide evidence for a role in peptide synthesis and release. ► A proteomic analysis of 90 2D-protein spots yielded the identification of 33 proteins. ► A role in the build up of the defense system is suggested.