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Ultrastructural and histochemical study of the spermatheca of the tsetse Glossina morsitans morsitans Westwood

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  19 September 2011

Elizabeth D. Kokwaro ,
Thomas R. Odhiambo  and
Joyce K. Murithi
Elizabeth D. Kokwaro
Affiliation:
International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), P.O. Box 30772, Nairobi, Kenya
Thomas R. Odhiambo
Affiliation:
International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), P.O. Box 30772, Nairobi, Kenya
Joyce K. Murithi
Affiliation:
International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), P.O. Box 30772, Nairobi, Kenya
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Abstract

Part of the female reproductive system of Glossina morsitans morsitans Westwood (Diptera: Glossinidae) consists of two spermathecal glands each with a duct and receptacle. The receptacle is composed of secretory cells with the normal secretory apparatus (secretory vesicles, rough endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria and microvilli), as well as bundles of microtubules. The extensive rough endoplasmic reticulum is indicative of the production of proteinaceous substances. On the basis of histochemical tests, the material in the epithelium and lumen of the spermathecal receptacle appears to be a mixture of carbohydrate and protein. These materials accumulate in cavities within the epithelial secretory cells, and are then transferred to the main lumen of the receptacle in which sperm are also stored.

Keywords

SpermathecatsetseGlossina morsitans morsitansultrastructurehistochemistryspermsecretory cells
Type
Research Article
Information
International Journal of Tropical Insect Science , Volume 2 , Issue 3 , September 1981 , pp. 135 - 143
Copyright
Copyright © ICIPE 1981

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References

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