Development of secretory activity in the long hyaline gland of the male migratory grasshopper, Melanoplus sanguinipes (Fabr.) (Orthoptera : Acrididae)

• Published in: International journal of insect morphology & embryology Vol. 16; no. 5; pp. 355 - 367
• Main Authors: Couche, Graham A., Gillott, Cedric
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Elsevier Ltd 1987; New York, NY Pergamon Press
• Subjects: Acrididae; allatectomy; animal glands; Biochemistry. Physiology. Immunology; Biological and medical sciences; cell ultrastructure; epithelium; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Insecta; Invertebrates; males; Melanoplus sanguinipes; Physiology. Development; protein synthesis; reproductive organs; secretions; TM = tubular membrane aggregate; N = nucleus; Ultrastructure; L = lysosome; isoelectric focusing; RER = rough endoplasmic reticulum; G = Golgi complex; protein synthesis; MV = microvilli; Insecta; Orthoptera; Male; Acrididae; Sexual maturation; Melanoplus sanguinipes; Transmission electron microscopy; Accessory sex organ; Protein synthesis; Arthropoda; Hormonal regulation; Acridoidea; Epithelial cell; Exocrine secretion; Invertebrata; Juvenile hormone
• ISSN: 0020-7322; 1872-907X
• DOI: 10.1016/0020-7322(87)90007-9

Changes in the ultrastructure of epithelial cells from long hyaline glands of male Melanoplus sanguinipes (Fabr.) (Orthoptera : Acrididae) have been examined during sexual maturation and after allatectomy. In newly emerged males, the long hyaline gland epithelium is composed of 1–3 cell layers. The cells contain almost no rough endoplasmic reticulum, inconspicuous Golgi complexes, and large numbers of free ribosomes and polysomes. Within 24 hr, the cells undergo considerable reorganization to form a 1-cell-thick layer. Changes in cytostructure include proliferation of the rough endoplasmic reticulum and the development of several elaborate Golgi complexes. The developing lumen contains a coarse fibrous material. By 3 days postemergence, columnar epithelial cells are clearly capable of considerable synthesis and export of secretory protein. Rough endoplasmic reticulum, and large, elaborate Golgi complexes are the major structural features of the cytoplasm. From day 3 to sexual maturity (day 7), no major ultrastructural changes occur, although massive accumulation of secretion in the lumen causes the epithelium to become cuboidal or flattened. Isoelectric focusing of soluble proteins from long hyaline gland secretions shows that maturing glands contain increasing numbers and quantities of secretory proteins. Allatectomy has minor effects on long hyaline gland ultrastructure. A reduction in the density of rough endoplasmic reticulum and ribosomes suggests that glands from operated males are metabolically less active. This is confirmed by qualitative and quantitative changes in the amount of secretion as revealed by isoelectric focusing. The observations are discussed in terms of the juvenile hormone control of long hyaline gland maturation.