Scalariform junctions in the Malpighian tubules of the insects Rhodnius prolixus (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) and Aedes taeniorhynchus (Diptera: Culicidae)

• Published in: Journal of morphology (1931) Vol. 206; no. 1; p. 65
• Main Author: Bradley, T.J. (University of California, Irvine, CA)
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.10.1990
• Subjects: AEDES TAENIORHYNCHUS; CELL STRUCTURE; CELL ULTRASTRUCTURE; ESTRUCTURA CELULAR; FLUID TRANSPORT; ION; ION TRANSPORT; IONES; IONS; MITOCHONDRIA; MITOCHONDRIE; MITOCONDRIA; MORPHOLOGY; PLASMA MEMBRANES; RHODNIUS PROLIXUS; SISTEMA UROGENITAL; STRUCTURE CELLULAIRE; SYSTEME UROGENITAL; UROGENITAL SYSTEM
• ISSN: 0362-2525; 1097-4687
• DOI: 10.1002/jmor.1052060107

The ultrastructure of scalariform junctions in the Malpighian tubules of the hemipteran Rhodnius prolixus and the dipteran Aedes taeniorhynchus is described. Both autocellular and intercellular scalariform junctions are illustrated. This is the first report of scalariform junctions in the Malpighian tubules of a dipteran. When combined with previous observations by other authors, the presence of scalariform junctions has now been reported in the Malpighian tubules of insects from five orders, including ametabolous, hemimetabolous, and holometabolous forms. The cell types in which scalariform junctions were found in R. prolixus and A. taeniorhynchus differ in the direction of ion and fluid transport. The cells share the capacity to transport KCl. These same cells also possess morphological features promoting close associations of mitochondria and plasma membranes in the apical region of the cell. The possible role of scalariform junctions is discussed in light of these observations.