Abstract
In this study we describe the ultrastructure of the endocrine cells observed in the midgut of M. quadrifasciata anthidioides. This bee has two types of endocrine cells, which are numerous on the posterior midgut region. Cells of the closed type are smaller and have irregular secretory granules with lower electrondensity than those of the open cell type. The open cell type has elongated mitochondria mainly on the basal area, where most of the secretory granules are also found. Besides the secretion granules and mitochondria, endocrine cells in this species have well-developed autophagic vacuoles and Golgi complex elements.
Highlights
The midgut endocrine cells of insects are not identified under light microscopy by techniques classically used for their detection in vertebrates (Cassier & Fain-Maurel, 1977; Andriès, 1976; Montuenga et al, 1989; Jimenez & Gilliam, 1990)
As part of an ongoing study to understand the physiological role of the endocrine cells in the bee midgut, this paper describes the ultrastructure of the endocrine cells observed in the adult worker midgut of Melipona quadrifasciata anthidioides
Midgut endocrine cells in M. quadrifasciata anthidioides are restricted to the posterior region of the midgut
Summary
The midgut endocrine cells of insects are not identified under light microscopy by techniques classically used for their detection in vertebrates (Cassier & Fain-Maurel, 1977; Andriès, 1976; Montuenga et al, 1989; Jimenez & Gilliam, 1990). Ultrastructural (Priester, 1971; Andriès, 1976; Reinhardt, 1976; Cassier & Fain-Maurel, 1977; Endo & Nishiitsutsuji-Uwo, 1981; Nishiitsutsuji-Uwo & Endo, 1981; Endo et al, 1982; Brown et al, 1985; Andriès & Tramu, 1985; Montuenga et al, 1989; Stoffolano et al, 1989) and immunocytochemical studies have demonstrated the presence of these cells in the midgut epithelium of various insect species Endo et al, 1982; Andriès & Tramu, 1984, 1985; Iwanaga et al, 1986; Brown et al, 1986; Glattli et al, 1987; Andriès & Beauvillain, 1988; Montuenga et al, 1989; Zitnan et al, 1993; An et al, 1998)
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