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Actin filaments: the main components of the scolopale in insect sensilla

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Summary

Two types of insect sensilla, mechanosensitive scolopidia and thermo-/hygrosensitive poreless sensilla contain a scolopale, which consists of numerous microtubules embedded in bundles of filaments (7–10 nm in diameter). The bundles are readily seen in the electron microscope in cryofixed (high-pressure freezing and rapid injection) and substituted samples. The filaments can be identified as actin filaments by using fluorescent phalloidins. Both electron microscopy and Triton-extraction exeriments reveal mechanical linkage between the main components in both types of sensilla. Since myosin appears to be absent in the scolopale, the actin filaments are unlikely to be involved in any contraction mechanism; these filaments more probably provide mechanical stability. The functional properties of the scolopale are discussed.

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  1. Institute of Zoology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Federal Republic of Germany

    Uwe Wolfrum

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Wolfrum, U. Actin filaments: the main components of the scolopale in insect sensilla. Cell Tissue Res 261, 85–96 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00329441

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