Abstract
Diplopods are considered important macroarthropods the soil as part of its maintenance and balance. These animals usually do not occur in high densities, but population explosions caused by environmental disturbances, climate changes, and use of pesticides that eliminate possible competitors, have been reported. The millipede Urostreptus atrobrunneus Pierozzi and Fontanetti, 2006 have become a nuisance to humans in infestation sites in urban centers of the state of Sao Paulo, Brazil. As a contribution to the understanding of this potential pest, this study describes the histology, histochemistry, and ultrastructure of the U. atrobrunneus midgut, and presents the redefinition of hepatic cells somewhat controversial in the literature. The region of the midgut is characterized by the absence of a cuticular intima, and composed of a pseudostratified epithelium on a thick basal membrane, followed by a muscle layer, a layer of hepatic cells, lined by an external membrane. The morphology observed in U. atrobrunneus is similar to that reported for other species of diplopods. The hepatic cells have been previously described as randomly without forming a layer, however, the present results clearly demonstrate that these cells form a continuous layer over the whole midgut.
Highlights
Diplopods usually do not occur in high densities, but population explosions have been reported, often caused by environmental disturbances (Cloudsley-Thompson, 1950; Niijima and Shinohara, 1988; Boccardo et al, 1997, 2002; Kania and Tracz, 2005; Fontanetti et al, 2010a, b)
This study was aimed at describing the morphology of the midgut of U. atrobrunneus, through histological, histochemical, and ultrastructural analysis, and its relationship with the roles played by this organ
The midgut of U. atrobrunneus consists of a pseudostratified epithelium resting on a basal lamina, followed by a muscle layer, a layer of hepatic cells, and irregularly distributed muscles, lined externally by a membrane termed external membrane
Summary
Diplopods usually do not occur in high densities, but population explosions have been reported, often caused by environmental disturbances (Cloudsley-Thompson, 1950; Niijima and Shinohara, 1988; Boccardo et al, 1997, 2002; Kania and Tracz, 2005; Fontanetti et al, 2010a, b). The high proliferation rate of the millipede Urostreptus atrobrunneus, a species described by Pierozzi and Fontanetti (2006), in some urban centers in the state of Sao Paulo, have drawn the attention of several researchers (Boccardo, 1998; Fontanetti et al, 2007, 2010a, b, 2012; Moreira-deSousa and Fontanetti, 2012). The digestive tract of millipedes is a simple straight tube that starts in the mouth and ends in the anus, and is divided in foregut, midgut, and hingut.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
