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Electron microscopic study on the larval and adult corpus allatum of Oncopeltus fasciatus dallas (insecta, heteroptera)

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Summary

1. The ultrastructure of the corpora allata of last larval instars and adults of Oncopeltus was studied. The unpaired gland undergoes submicroscopic alterations and shows signs of degradation in old animals. The organ is partly covered and penetrated by corpus cardiacum tissue. Axons with different types of neurosecretory granules form synaptoid contacts with the corpus allatum cells.

2. “Dark” and “light” gland cells can be differentiated on account of the degree of electron density. The former predominate during the last larval stage and in the young imago, the latter in mature males and females. It is highly probable that the “light” cells are the active (i.e. hormone producing) ones and the “dark” cells the inactive ones.

3. The active cells are characterized by rough endoplasmatic reticulum (often in whorls), small amounts of smooth endoplasmatic reticulum and many multivesicular bodies. Abundant free ribosomes, a not particularly well developed Golgi apparatus, dense bodies, and cytolysomes are present in active and inactive cells.

4. The nuclei contain one to four prominent and variously shaped nucleoli, which show differences between adult males and females with respect to their location in the nucleus.

5. The corpus allatum cells of Oncopeltus are obviously engaged in extensive protein synthesis. Tangible structural indications for the manufacture of juvenile hormone were not observed. Possible sites of hormone release are discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Anatomy, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, USA

    August Dorn

  2. Institut für Zoologie der Johannes Gutenberg-Universität, Saarstraße 21, D-6500, Mainz, Federal Republic of Germany

    August Dorn

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  1. August Dorn
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This study was made possible by a fellowship and grants from the “Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft” and was supported by research grants, administered by Prof. Scharrer, from the U.S.P.H. Service (NB-05219; NB-00840 and NS-07512). Present address of author: Institut für Allgemeine Zoologie der Johannes Gutenberg-Universität, D-6500 Mainz, Saarstraße 21, Bundesrepublik Deutschland.

I am indebted to Prof. Scharrer for guidance and criticism. I also wish to express my appreciation to Mrs. S. Wurzelmann and Mr. S. Brown for their excellent technical assistance.

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Dorn, A. Electron microscopic study on the larval and adult corpus allatum of Oncopeltus fasciatus dallas (insecta, heteroptera). Z.Zellforsch 145, 447–458 (1973). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00306717

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00306717

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