Ultrastructural Localization of Basic Proteins and Carbohydrates in Male Accessory Glands of Two Triatoma Species (Hemiptera, Reduviidae, Triatominae)

• Published in: Journal of medical entomology Vol. 48; no. 3; pp. 496 - 503
• Main Authors: Freitas, Simone P. C., Gonçalves, Teresa C. M., Serrão, José E., Costa, Jane, Santos-Mallet, Jacenir R.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Lanham, MD Entomological Society of America 01-05-2011; Oxford University Press
• Subjects: Accessory gland; Analysis; Animal Structures - metabolism; Animal Structures - ultrastructure; Animals; Biological and medical sciences; Carbohydrates; Carbohydrates - biosynthesis; Cytochemistry; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Genitalia; Genitalia, Male - metabolism; Genitalia, Male - ultrastructure; Granules; Hemiptera; Hostages; insect; Insect Proteins - metabolism; Insecta; Invertebrates; Lipids; Lipids - biosynthesis; Male; Medically important nuisances and vectors, pests of stored products and materials: population survey and control; Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; morphology; MORPHOLOGY, SYSTEMATICS, EVOLUTION; Protein Biosynthesis; Proteins; Reduviidae; Reproduction; reproductive tract; Spermatophores; Triatoma; Triatoma - metabolism; Triatoma - ultrastructure; Triatoma brasiliensis; Triatominae; vector; Vectors. Intermediate hosts; Insecta; Parasite; Gland; Male; Cytochemistry; Protein; Heteroptera; Accessory; Arthropoda; Morphology; insect; reproductive tract; Carbohydrate; Invertebrata; Localization; Vector; Reduviidae
• ISSN: 0022-2585; 1938-2928; 0022-2585
• DOI: 10.1603/ME10147

The male accessory glands in Triatoma are tubular and produce substances with some functions related to production of the spermatophore. In the current study, the cytochemistry of male accessory glands was evaluated in starved Triatoma brasiliensis and adult Triatoma melanica. The storage of carbohydrates and proteins in T. melanica male accessory glands occurs earlier than in T. brasiliensis. In addition, the occurrence of eletron-lucent granules without carbohydrates and proteins suggests that other substances are released by these glands, which may be used for lubrication of the male genitalia. Male T. brasiliensis has more intense secretory activity in the fifth day of adult life, which may indicate a higher reproductive capacity. The analysis of lipid production in male accessory glands can contribute to the knowledge of spermatophore formation in these species.