Skip to main content
Log in

Die Makrochaeten auf dem Thorax vonCalliphora vicina Robineau-Desvoidy (Calliphoridae, Diptera)

Feinstruktur und Morphogenese eines epidermalen Insekten-Mechanoreceptors

The thoracal macrochaetae ofCalliphora vicina Robineau-Desvoidy (Calliphoridae, Diptera)

Fine structure and morphogenesis of an epidermal insect mechanoreceptor

  • Published:
Zoomorphologie Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Summary

Thoracal macrochaetae ofCalliphora were investigated by electron-microscopy during the imaginal and pupal phase. Each sensillum possesses one sensory cell which sends off a dendrite to the base of the hair-shaft. A “granular body” is situated in the transitional region between inner and outer dendritic segment. During pupal development this region has the structure of a cilium (9×2+0). The dendritic tip, which is fastened to the hair-shaft in a complicated manner, contains a tubular body. Under the base of each sensillum there lies a tormogen cell of extraordinary size with a greatly enlarged apical surface. It can be concluded from this cell's cytoplasmatic outfit that it is transporting ions and synthesizing very actively. Apically the cell forms a large receptor lymph cavity. The dendrite, which is enclosed by a cuticular sheath and a sheath cell, passes through the tormogen cell and the receptor lymph cavity. During pupal development the hair-shaft is secreted by a very large trichogen cell. The perikaryon of this cell is partly embedded into the tormogen cell and envelops the dendrite and the sheath cell. The trichogen cell contains a polytene nucleus. The cell is completely reduced around the time of emergence.

A number of “accompanying cells” which probably are waxsecreting surrounds each sensillum. Above these cells, numerous canals run through the cuticle to the body surface.

Zusammenfassung

Thorakale Makrochaeten vonCalliphora wurden während der Imaginal- und Puppenphase elektronenmikroskopisch untersucht. Zu jedem Sensillum gehört eine Sinneszelle, die einen Dendriten zur Haarschaftbasis entsendet. Ein „granulärer Körper“ befindet sich in der Übergangsregion zwischen Dendriteninnen- und -außenglied. Während der Puppenentwicklung hat diese Region die Struktur eines Ciliums (9×2+0). Die Dendritenspitze, die in einer komplizierten Weise am Haarschaft befestigt ist, enthält einen Tubularkörper. Unter jeder Sensillenbasis liegt eine tormogene Zelle von außergewöhnlichem Umfang, deren apikale Oberfläche stark vergrößert ist. Von der cytoplasmatischen Ausstattung dieser Zelle kann auf ionentransportierende und synthetisierende Aktivität geschlossen werden. Apikal bildet die Zelle einen ausgedehnten Receptorlymphraum. Der Dendrit, der von einer cuticulären Scheide und einer Scheidenzelle eingehüllt wird, verläuft durch die tormogene Zelle und den Receptorlymphraum. Während der Puppenentwicklung wird der Haarschaft von einer umfangreichen trichogenen Zelle sezerniert. Das Perikaryon dieser Zelle ist teilweise in die tormogene Zelle eingebettet und umgibt den Dendriten und die Scheidenzelle. Die trichogene Zelle enthält einen hochpolytänen Kern. Die Zelle wird zur Schlupfzeit vollständig reduziert.

Eine Anzahl von wahrscheinlich wachssezernierenden „Begleitzellen“ umgibt jedes Sensillum. Oberhalb dieser Zellen ziehen zahlreiche Kanäle durch die Cuticula zur Körperoberfläche.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

Literatur

  • Anderson, E., Harvey, W.R.: Active transport by the cecropia midgut. II. Fine structure of the midgut epithelium. J. Cell Biol.31, 107–134 (1966)

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ashhurst, D.E.: An insect desmosome. J. Cell Biol.46, 421–425 (1970)

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Berridge, M.J., Oschman, J.L.: Transporting epithelia. New York-London: Academic Press 1972

    Google Scholar 

  • Burton, P.R., Fernandez, H.L.: Delineation by lanthanum staining of filamentous elements associated with the surfaces of axonal microtubules. J. Cell Sci.12, 567–584 (1973)

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Chi, C., Carlson, S.D.: The housefly interfacetal hair. Ultrastructure of a presumed mechanoreceptor. Cell Tiss. Res.166, 353–364 (1976)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Chu, I-Wu, Axtell, R.C.: Fine structure of the dorsal organ of the house fly larva,Musca domestica L. Z. Zellforsch.117, 17–34 (1971)

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Dentier, W.L., Granett, S., Rosenbaum, J.L.: Ultrastructural localization of the high molecular weight proteins associated with in vitro-assembled brain microtubules. J. Cell Biol.65, 237–241 (1975)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Eakin, R.M.: Lines of evolution of photoreceptors. In: General physiology of cell specialization (D. Mazia, A. Tyler, eds.), pp. 393–425. New York: McGraw-Hill 1963

    Google Scholar 

  • Ernst, K.-D.: Die Feinstruktur von Riechsensillen auf der Antenne des AaskäfersNecrophorus (Coleoptera). Z. Zellforsch.94, 72–102 (1969)

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ernst, K.-D.: Die Ontogenie der basiconischen Riechsensillen auf der Antenne vonNecrophorus (Coleoptera). Z. Zellforsch.129, 217–236 (1972)

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Falk, R., Bleiser-Avivi, N., Atidia, J.: Labellartaste organs ofDrosophila melanogaster. J. Morphol.150, 327–342 (1976)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Felt, B.T., Van de Berg, J.S.: Ultrastructure of the blowfly chemoreceptor sensillum (Phormia regina). J. Morphol.150, 763–784 (1976)

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Filshie, B.K.: The resistance of epicuticular components of an insect to extraction with lipid solvents. Tissue and Cell2, 181–190 (1970)

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Filshie, B.K., Flower, N.E.: Junctional structures inHydra. J. Cell Sci.23, 151–172 (1977)

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Friend, D.S.: Cytochemical staining of multivesicular body and Golgi vesicles. J. Cell Biol.41, 269–279 (1969)

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gaffal, K.-P.: Die Feinstruktur der Sinnes- und Hüllzellen in den antennalen Schmecksensillen vonDysdercus intermedius Dist. (Pyrrhocoridae, Heteroptera). Protoplasma88, 101–115 (1976)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gaffal, K.-P., Hansen, K.: Mechanorezeptive Strukturen der antennalen Haarsensillen der BaumwollwanzeDysdercus intermedius Dish. Z. Zellforsch.132, 79–94 (1972)

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gaffal, K.-P., Tichy, H., Theiss, J., Seelinger, G.: Structural polarities in mechanosensitive sensilla and their influence on Stimulus transmission (Arthropoda). Zoomorphologie82, 79–103 (1975)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gnatzy, W.: The ultrastructure of the thread-hairs on the cerci of the cockroachPeriplaneta americana L.: The intermoult phase. J. Ultrastruct. Res.54, 124–134 (1976)

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hansen, K., Heumann, H.G.: Die Feinstruktur der tarsalen Schmeckhaare der FliegePhormia terranovae Rob.-Desv. Z. Zellforsch.117, 419–442 (1971)

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hayes, W. F.: Fine structure of the chemoreceptor sensillum inLimulus. J. Morphol.133, 205–239 (1971)

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ishikawa, H., Bischoff, R., Holtzer, H.: Formation of arrowhead complexes with heavy meromyosin in a variety of cell types. J. Cell Biol.43, 312–328 (1969)

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Keil, T.: Sinnesorgane auf den Antennen vonLithobius forficatus L. (Myriapoda, Chilopoda). I. Die Funktionsmorphologie der „Sensilla trichodea“. Zoomorphologie84, 77–102 (1976)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Komnick, H., Wichard, W.: Histochemischer Nachweis von Chloridzellen bei Wasserwanzen (Hemiptera: Hydrocorisae) und ihre Feinstruktur beiHesperocorixa sahlbergi Fieb. (Hemiptera: Corixidae). Int. J. Insect Morphol. and Embryol.4, 89–105 (1975)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Küppers, J.: Measurements on the ionic milieu of the receptor terminal in mechanoreceptive sensilla of insects. Abh. Rhein.-Westfäl. Akad. d. Wissenschaften53, 387–394 (1974)

    Google Scholar 

  • Küppers, J., Thurm, U.: Humorale Steuerung eines Ionentransportes an epithelialen Rezeptoren von Insekten. Verh. Dt. Zool. Ges.68, 46–50 (1975)

    Google Scholar 

  • Lane, N.J., Treherne, J.E.: Studies on perineurial junctional complexes and the sites of uptake of microperoxidase and lanthanum in the cockroach central nervous system. Tissue and Cell4, 427–436 (1972)

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lazarides, E., Hubbard, B.D.: Immunological characterization of the subunit of the 100 Å filaments from muscle cells. Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. USA73, 4344–4348 (1976)

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Locke, M.: Pore canals and related structures in insect cuticle. J. Biophys. Biochem. Cytol.10, 589–618 (1961)

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Locke, M.: Permeability of insect cuticle to water and lipids. Science147, 295–298 (1965)

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Locke, M., Krishnan, N., McMahon, J.T.: A routine method for obtaining high contrast without staining sections. J. Cell Biol.50, 540–544 (1971)

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Loewenstein, W.R.: Cellular communication by permeable membrane junctions. In: Cell membranes (G. Weissmann, R. Claiborne, eds.), pp. 105–114. New York: Hospital Practice 1975

    Google Scholar 

  • Marshall, A.T.: Vesicular structures in the dendrites of an insect olfactory receptor. Tissue and Cell5, 233–241 (1973)

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • McIver, S.B.: Fine structure of antennal grooved pegs of the mosquito,Aëdes aegypti. Cell Tiss. Res.153, 327–338 (1974)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • McIver, S.B.: Structure of cuticular mechanoreceptors of arthropods. Ann. Rev. Entomol.20, 381–397 (1975)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Moran, D.T., Chapman, K.J., Ellis, R.A.: The fine structure of cockroach campaniform sensilla. J. Cell Biol.48, 155–173 (1971)

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Moran, D.T., Varela, F.G.: Microtubules and sensory transduction. Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. USA68, 757–760 (1971)

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Murphy, D.B., Borisy, G.G.: Association of high-molecular weight proteins with microtubules and their role in microtubule assembly in vitro. Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. USA72, 2696–2700 (1975)

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Noirot, C., Noirot-Timothée, C.: Ultrastructure du proctodeum chez le ThysanoureLepismodes inquilinus Newman (=Thermobia domestica Packard). II. Le sac anal. J. Ultrastruct. Res.37, 335–350 (1971)

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Noirot-Timothée, C., Noirot, C.: Jonctions et contacts intercellulaires chez les insectes. I. Les jonctions septées. J. Microscopie17, 169–184 (1973)

    Google Scholar 

  • Oschman, J.L., Berridge, M.J.: Structural and functional aspects of salivary fluid secretion inCalliphora. Tissue and Cell2, 281–310 (1970)

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ostlund, R.E., Leung, J.T., Kipnis, D.M.: Muscle actin filaments bind pituitary secretory granules in vitro. J. Cell Biol.73, 78–87 (1977)

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Peracchia, C.: Gap junction structure and function. Trends in Biochemical Sciences2/2, 26–31 (1977)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Phillips, C.E., Van de Berg, J.S.: Directional flow of sensillum liquor in blowfly (Phormia regina) labellar chemoreceptors. J. Insect Physiol.22, 425–429 (1976)

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Quennedey, A.: The labrum ofSchedorhinotermes minor soldier (Isoptera, Rhinotermitidae). Morphology, innervation and fine structure. Cell Tiss. Res.160, 81–98 (1975)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ribbert, D.: Die Polytänchromosomen der Borstenbildungszellen vonCalliphora erythrocephala unter besonderer Berücksichtigung der geschlechtsgebundenen Heterozygotie und des Puffmusters während der Metamorphose. Chromosoma21, 296–344 (1967)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ribbert, D.: Relation of puffing to bristle and footpad differentiation inCalliphora andSarcophaga. In: Results and problems in cell differentiation 4 (W. Beermann, ed.), pp. 153–179. Berlin-Heidelberg-New York: Springer 1972

    Google Scholar 

  • Richter, S.: Die Feinstruktur des für die Mechanorezeption wichtigen Bereichs der Stellungshaare auf dem Prosternum vonCalliphora erythrocephala Mg. Z. Morphol. Ökol. Tiere54, 202–218 (1964)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rick, R., Barth, F.G., Pawel, A.v.: X-Ray microanalysis of receptor lymph in a cuticular arthropod sensillum. J. Comp. Physiol.110, 89–95 (1976)

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rossignol, P.A., McIver, S.B.: Fine structure and role in behavior of sensilla on the terminalia ofAëdes aegypti (L.) (Diptera:Culicidae). J. Morphol.151, 419–438 (1977)

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Slifer, E.H.: The structure of arthropod chemoreceptors. Ann. Rev. Entomol.15, 121–142 (1970)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Schmidt, K.: Der Feinbau der stiftführenden Sinnesorgane im Pedicellus der FlorfliegeChrysopa Leach (Chrysopidae, Planipennia). Z. Zellforsch.99, 357–388 (1969)

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Schmidt, K.: Die Mechanorezeptoren im Pedicellus der Eintagsfliegen (Insecta, Ephemeroptera). Z. Morphol. Tiere78, 193–220 (1974)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Schmitt, F.O., Samson, F.E.: Neuronal fibrous proteins. Neurosciences Res. Progr. Bull.6, 113–219 (1968)

    Google Scholar 

  • Sherline, P., Lee, Y.-C., Jacobs, L.S.: Binding of microtubules to pituitary secretory granules and secretory granule membranes. J. Cell Biol.72, 380–389 (1977)

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Small, J.V., Sobieszek, A.: Studies on the function and composition of the 10-nm (100 Å) filaments of vertebrate smooth muscle. J. Cell Sci.23, 243–268 (1977)

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Smith, D.S.: The fine structure of haltere sensilla in the blowfly,Calliphora erythrocephala (Meig.), with scanning electron microscopic observations on the haltere surface. Tissue and Cell1, 443–484 (1969)

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Spurr, A.R.: A low-viscosity epoxy resin embedding medium for electron microscopy. J. Ultrastruct. Res.26, 31–43 (1969)

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Staehelin, L.A.: Structure and function of intercellular junctions. Int. Rev. Cytol.39, 191–283 (1974)

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Steinbrecht, R.A., Müller, B.: Fine structure of the antennal receptors of the bed bug,Cimex lectularis L. Tissue and Cell8, 615–636 (1976)

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Thurm, U.: Mechanoreceptors in the cuticle of the honey bee. Science145, 1063–1065 (1964)

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Thurm, U.: An insect mechanoreceptor. I. Fine structure and adequate stimulus. Cold Spring Harbour Symp. on Quantitative BiologyXXX, 75–82 (1965)

    Google Scholar 

  • Thurm, U.: General organization of sensory receptors. Rendiconti della Scuola Internazionale di Fisica “Enrico Fermi”XLIII, 44–68 (1969)

    Google Scholar 

  • Thurm, U.: Untersuchungen zur funktionellen Organisation sensorischer Zellverbände. Verh. Dt. Zool. Ges.64, 79–88 (1970)

    Google Scholar 

  • Thurm, U.: Basics of the generation of receptor potentials in epidermal mechanoreceptors of insects. Abh. Rhein.-Westfäl. Akad. d. Wissenschaften53, 355–385 (1974)

    Google Scholar 

  • Tichy, H.: Untersuchungen über die Feinstruktur des Tömösvaryschen Sinnesorgans vonLithobius forficatus L. (Chilopoda) und zur Frage seiner Funktion. Zool. Jb. Anat.91, 93–139 (1973)

    Google Scholar 

  • Treherne, J.E.: The environment and function of insect nerve cells. In: Insect neurobiology (J.E. Treherne, ed.), pp. 187–244. Amsterdam-Oxford: North Holland 1974

    Google Scholar 

  • Weber, G., Wunderer, H.: On the fine structure of tactile bristles on the episternal cone of the honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) (Insecta, Hymenoptera). Zoomorphologie84, 223–234 (1976)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wensler, R.J.: The fine structure of distal receptors on the labium of the aphid,Brevicoryne brassicae L. (Homoptera). Implications for current theories of sensory transduction. Cell Tiss. Res.181, 409–422 (1977)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wuerker, R.B., Kirkpatrick, J.B.: Neuronal microtubules, neurofilaments and microfilaments. Int. Rev. Cytol.33, 45–75 (1972)

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zacharuk, R.Y., Blue, S.G.: Ultrastructure of the peg and hair sensilla on the antenna of larvalAëdes aegypti. J. Morphol.135, 433–456 (1971)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zumpt, F.: Calliphorinae. In: Die Fliegen der palaearktischen Region (E. Lindner, ed.), Bd. XI, 190. Lieferung, S. 1–48. Stuttgart: Schweizerbart'sche Verlagsbuchhandlung 1956

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Additional information

Mit Unterstützung der Deutschen Forschungsgemeinschaft (Schwerpunktprogramm Rezeptorphysiologie)

Herrn Prof. Dr. U. Thurm danke ich für anregende Diskussionen und Frau M. Thomas für technische Hilfe

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Keil, T. Die Makrochaeten auf dem Thorax vonCalliphora vicina Robineau-Desvoidy (Calliphoridae, Diptera). Zoomorphologie 90, 151–180 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02568681

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02568681

Navigation