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The ultrastructure and possible functions of nephrocytes in the trombiculid mite Hirsutiella zachvatkini (Acariformes: Trombiculidae)

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Abstract

The ultrastructure of nephrocytes during the post-larval development of the trombiculid mite Hirsutiella zachvatkini (Schluger) was investigated by means of transmission electron microscopy. Nephrocytes are situated either individually or in groups inside the haemocoelic space and are always ensheathed by a basal membrane. They contain numerous tubular elements, electron-dense inclusions and sometimes electron-lucent vacuoles. Invaginations of the plasma membrane, often in the form of labyrinthine channels, with coated pits of plasma membrane and characteristic slit diaphragms linking adjacent pedicels, typically occupy the peripheral parts of the cells. However, no distinct zonation of organelles in the nephrocytes of trombiculids was observed. The number of nephrocytes in the haemocoel and the intensity of development of their tubular elements and in particular of labyrinthine channels vary significantly during the ontogenesis of mites. The possible functions of nephrocytes and their structure and differentiation in comparison with other arachnids are discussed.

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  1. Andrew B. Shatrov
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Shatrov, A.B. The ultrastructure and possible functions of nephrocytes in the trombiculid mite Hirsutiella zachvatkini (Acariformes: Trombiculidae). Exp Appl Acarol 22, 1–16 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1006015122978

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1006015122978

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