Ultrastructural features of the gut of Sitophilus granarius (L.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) with notes on distribution of proteinases and amylases in crop and midgut

Abstract

In addition to typical columnar cells, dark-staining cells characterized by deep invaginations of basal plasma membranes were found throughout the midgut of adult Sitophilus granarius (L.). These invaginations formed intracellular channels that extended to the perinuclear region and indicated an involvement of these cells in secretion and (or) absorption. Cells with large vacuolelike structures that occasionally filled the entire supranuclear region were found in the anterior midgut, while multicellular crypts and cells that formed apical extrusions into the lumen were common in the posterior midgut. Fine structure of gastric caeca indicated functional differences between those located in anterior and posterior midgut regions. Numerous dark-staining granules were found in apical regions of cells of the anterior caeca, whereas elongated mitochondria were found in microvilli that made up the brush border of posterior caecal cells. Thus, although the midgut is not obviously differentiated into zones, there are different cell types in different regions of the gut involved in digestive and nutrient absorption processes. Evidence indicated that amylase in S. granarius is secreted by salivary glands whereas trypsin and aminopeptidase are secreted by midgut. A slow, continuous secretion of amylase occurs whereas proteinases are secreted in response to ingested food.