Summary
The ultrastructure of the mid-gut cells of female Nasonia vitripennis is described. The mid-gut consists of a uniform, single-cell epithelium. The cells of different gut regions were analysed using morphometric techniques in order to determine any differences in the components. The structure of the cells is described in the unfed animal, and after varying periods of feeding on host body-fluids. Tissues were sampled after 12 h and 24 h of feeding on host body-fluids and after 24 h feeding/24 h starvation. The cells were found to be complex and contain an organelle component that allows solute-transport and extensive lipid synthesis. A limited cytochemical analysis involving the lysosomal marker enzyme-acid phosphatase — and the respiratory enzyme — cytochrome oxidase was carried out.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Akai, H.: Ultrastructural localisation of phosphatases in the mid-gut of the silkworm, Bombyx mori. J. Insect. Physiol. 15, 1623 (1969)
Anderson, E., Harvey, W.R.: Active transport by the Cecropia mid-gut. II. Fine-structure of the mid-gut epithelium. J. Cell Biol. 31, 107–134 (1966)
Beadle, D.J.: Structural differentiation in the mid-gut epithelium of the phasmid Carausius morosus, Brunner. J. Entomol. (A) 47 (1), 71–83 (1972)
Beadle, D.J., Livingston, D.C., Read, S.: Ultrastructural localisation of acid phosphatase, nonspecific esterase and B-glucuronidase in the mid-gut epithelium of Tenebrio molitor (Col., Acrididae) and Carausius morosus (Phasm., Phasmalidae). Histochemie 28, 143–249 (1971)
Berridge, M.J.: A structural analysis of intestinal absorption. Symp. Royal Entomol. Soc., London (ed. A.C. Neville), Vol. 5, p. 135. Oxford and Edinburgh: Blackwell 1970
Berridge, M.J., Oschman, J.L.: Transporting epithelia. New York-London: Academic Press 1972
Cheung, E.E.K., Marshall, A.T.: Studies on water and ion transport in Homopteran insects: Ultrastructure and cytochemistry of the cicadoid and cercopoid mid-gut. Tissue and Cell 5, 651–669 (1973)
Davies, I.: A study of the effect of diet on the life-span of Nasonia vitripennis (Walk.) (Hymenoptera, Pteromalidae). J. Gerontol. 30 (3), 294–298 (1975)
Davies, I., King, P.E.: The structure of the rectal papilla in a parasitoid hymenopteran Nasonia vitripennis (Walker) (Hymenoptera, Pteromalidae). Cell Tiss. Res. 161, 413–19 (1975a)
Davies, I., King, P.E.: A morphometric and cytochemical analysis of aging changes in the flightmuscle of Nasonia vitripennis. Mech. Age. Devel. 4, 459–468 (1975b)
Fairhurst, J.O.: Studies of insect nutrition. Ph.D. Thesis (Wales) (1967)
Florkin, M., Stotz, E.J. (eds.): Enzyme nomenclature. Comprehensive biochemistry, 2nd ed., Vol. 13. Amsterdam: Elsevier Publ. Co. 1965
Hassemer, M., Beck, S.D.: Ultrastructure of the ileum of the European cornborer, Ostrinia nubilalis. J. Insect Physiol. 15, 1791–1802 (1969)
Hecker, H., Freyvogel, T.A., Briegel, H., Steiger, R.: Ultrastructural differentiation of the mid-gut epithelium in female Aedes aegypti (1.) (Insecta, Diptera) Imagines. Acta trop. (Basel) 20, 80–104 (1971)
Heinrich, D., Zebe, E.: On the fine-structure of the mid-gut cells of Locusta migratoria in different stages of digestion (Orth. Acrididae). Cytobiologie 7 (3), 315–326 (1973)
Noirot, C., Noirot-Timothée, C.: Structure fine de la bordure en brosse de l'intestin moyen chez les Insectes. J. Microscop. (Paris) 13, 85–96 (1972)
Pearse, A.G.E.: Histochemistry, theoretical and applied, 3rd ed., Vol. I. London: J.A. Churchill Ltd. 1968
Porter, K.R.: Independence of fat absorption and pincocytosis. Fed. Proc. 28, 35–40 (1969)
Priester, W., de: Ultrastructure of the mid-gut epithelium cells in the fly Calliphora erythrocephala. J. Ultrastruct. Res. 36, 783–803 (1971)
Reinhardt, C., Hecker, H.: Structure and function of the basal lamina and of the cell junctions in the mid-gut epithelium (stomach) of female Aedes aegypti, L. (Insecta, Diptera) Culicidae. Acta trop. (Basel) 30 (3), 213–236 (1973)
Roth, R.F., Porter, K.R.: Yolk protein uptake in the oocyte of the mosquito Aedes aegypti. L. J. Cell Biol. 20, 313–332 (1964)
Seligman, A.M., Karnovsky, M.J., Wasserking, H.L., Hanker, H.S.: Non-droplet ultrastructural demonstration of cytochrome oxidase activity with a polymerising osmiophilic reagent, diamino benzidene (D.A.B.). J. Cell Biol. 38, 1 (1968)
Siegal, S.: Non-parametric statistics for the behavioural sciences. New York: McGraw-Hill 1956
Smith, D.S., Compher, K., Janners, M., Lipton, C., Wittle, L.W.: Cellular organisation and ferritin uptake in the mid-gut epithelium of a moth, Ephestia kuhniella. J. Morph. 127, 41–72 (1969)
Smith, D.S., Littau, V.C.: Cellular specialisation in the excretory epithelia of an insect, Macrosteles fascifrons Stal (Homoptera). J. biophys. biochem. Cytol. 8, 103–133 (1960)
Spurr, A.R.: A low viscosity epoxy resin embedding medium for electron microscopy. J. Ultrastruct. Res. 26, 31–43 (1969)
Treherne, J.: Gut absorption. Ann. Rev. Entomol. 12, 43–58 (1967)
Weibel, E.R., Kistler, G.S., Scherle, W.F.: Practical stereological methods for morphometric cytology. J. Cell Biol. 30, 23–38 (1966)
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
We are indebted to Professor E.W. Knight-Jones, in whose Department this work was carried out, and to the Science Research Council for financial support to one of us (I.D.)
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Davies, I., King, P.E. The ultrastructure of the mid-gut cells of Nasonia vitripennis (Walker) (Hymenoptera, Pteromalidae). Cell Tissue Res. 177, 227–238 (1977). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00221084
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00221084