Glycosylation of the male genital ducts and spermatozeugmata formation in the clearnose skate Raja eglanteria

Genital ducts of three male Raja eglanteria were fixed and embedded in epoxy and methacrylate resin. Epoxy resin sections from the Leydig gland, upper and lower epididymis, ductus deferens and seminal vesicle were stained with 20 labelled lectins to examine their glycosylation. The Leydig gland consisted of columnar epithelial cells expressing N-linked glycans, N-acetyl galactosamine, glucosamine and lactosamine residues and sialic acid. Interspersed were ciliated cells of a different glycotype. The upper epididymis of cuboidal epithelium had a strongly glycosylated, ciliated apical surface and cytoplasmic granules that stained heavily with many lectins, with increased glycosylation compared to the Leydig gland. In the lower epididymis, tall, vacuolated cells showed some differences and a slight reduction in lectin staining. The ductus deferens contained two cell types and showed increased terminal N-acetyl galactosamine. The ciliated cuboidal epithelium of the seminal vesicle had marked differences from the ductus epithelium, with decreased N-acetyl galactosamine and lactosamine expression but increased subterminal N-acetyl lactosamine and galactosamine expression and sialylation. Spermatozoa were suspended in a glycosylated matrix and, in the seminal vesicle, were embedded in solid masses of matrix forming spermatozeugmata. These data show changes in glycan expression along the male genital tract, probably related to the nurture and maturation of the spermatozoa as they travel towards the seminal vesicle.     

Glycosylation of the Male Genital Ducts and Spermatozeugmata Formation in the Clearnose Skate Raja eglanteria

Genital ducts of three male Raja eglanteria were fixed and embedded in epoxy and methacrylate resin. Epoxy resin sections from the Leydig gland, upper and lower epididymis, ductus deferens and seminal vesicle were stained with 20 labelled lectins to examine their glycosylation. The Leydig gland consisted of columnar epithelial cells expressing N-linked glycans, N-acetyl galactosamine, glucosamine and lactosamine residues and sialic acid. Interspersed were ciliated cells of a different glycotype. The upper epididymis of cuboidal epithelium had a strongly glycosylated, ciliated apical surface and cytoplasmic granules that stained heavily with many lectins, with increased glycosylation compared to the Leydig gland. In the lower epididymis, tall, vacuolated cells showed some differences and a slight reduction in lectin staining. The ductus deferens contained two cell types and showed increased terminal N-acetyl galactosamine. The ciliated cuboidal epithelium of the seminal vesicle had marked differences from the ductus epithelium, with decreased N-acetyl galactosamine and lactosamine expression but increased subterminal N-acetyl lactosamine and galactosamine expression and sialylation. Spermatozoa were suspended in a glycosylated matrix and, in the seminal vesicle, were embedded in solid masses of matrix forming spermatozeugmata. These data show changes in glycan expression along the male genital tract, probably related to the nurture and maturation of the spermatozoa as they travel towards the seminal vesicle.     

Ultrastructure of the male genital ducts of the clearnose skate Raja eglanteria

Tissues from the male genital ducts of six specimens of the clearnose skate Raja eglanteria, comprising the Leydig gland, upper and lower epididymis, ductus deferens and seminal vesicle, were fixed and embedded for ultrastructural examination. In the Leydig gland, two types of columnar cells were identified, one bearing microvilli, a basal nucleus and evidence of active secretion with plentiful endoplasmic reticulum and numerous secretory droplets, and the other pyriform with cilia, and swathes of cytofilaments emanating from prominent desmosomes. Occasional crystalloid intramitochondrial inclusions were seen in the first type, with a periodicity of 24 nm. The upper epididymis was composed of cuboidal cells with microvilli and cilia and irregular electron dense granules, some of which were basally situated and extremely large, often within cells resembling intraepithelial leucocytes; such cells were also seen in the stroma underlying the epithelium. The lower epididymis cells also bore microvilli and cilia and were heavily vacuolated with fatty inclusions as well as the granule-laden leucocytes seen previously. In the ductus deferens, cells had masses of long cilia with occasional microvilli; endoplasmic reticulum was well developed, forming complex arrays with sparse secretory droplets and basal mitochondria. In the seminal vesicle there were two cell types, the most common having long cilia and short microvilli and an occasional, paler cell with supranuclear accumulations of small, round mitochondria. These ultrastructural appearances have been related to cell glycosylation and functions including protein secretion, water absorption and waste removal, and illustrate how structure and function vary down the length of the genital tract.     

Structure and functions of the genital ducts of the male Port Jackson shark,Heterodontus portusjacksoni

Synopsis The genital ducts ofHeterodontus portusjacksoni consist of the sperm carrying ducts (the rete testis, ductuli efferentes, and initial and terminal segments of the ductus epididymidis) and the Leydig glands (anterior opisthonephros). The ducts are lined by a ciliated epithelium which maintains a barrier to the transport of solute between blood and the lumen of the duct. Spermatozoa, Sertoli cell bodies, Sertoli cell cytoplasts and cellular debris are released from spermatocysts into the longitudinal canal of the rete testis. However, only the Sertoli cell cytoplasts persist throughout the sperm ducts. The epithelia lining the initial segment of the ductus epididymidis and secretory tubules of the Leydig glands are specialized for protein secretion and (particularly the Leydig glands) must be the main source of luminal protein in the ductus epididymidis. The epithelium lining the terminal segment of the ductus epididymidis also secretes protein, reabsorbs fluid and sodium, and may carry out heterophagic digestion. Spermatozoa develop the capacity for motility in the extratesticular sperm ducts, but do not undergo structural changes. However, they form spherical bundles in the terminal segment of the ductus epididymidis. It is suggested that the reduction in ratio of sodium:potassium from 48:8 in the ductuli efferentes to 3:4 in the distal end of the terminal segment of the ductus epididymidis may favour sperm survival.     

Ultrastructure and histochemistry of the male reproductive system of the genus Callinectes Stimpson, 1860 (Brachyura: Portunidae)

We described the ultrastructure and histochemistry of the reproductive system of five Callinectes species, and evaluate the seasonal variation in weight of the reproductive system and hepatopancreas by comparing annual changes of somatic indices. The somatic indices changed little throughout the year. In Callinectes, spermatogenesis occurs inside the lobular testes and, within each lobule, the cells are at the same developmental stage. Spermatogenesis and spermiogenesis follow the same development pattern in all Callinectes studied. Mature spermatozoa are released into the seminiferous ducts through the collecting ducts. Cells of the vas deferens are secretory as evidenced by rough endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi complex, and secretory vesicles that produce the seminal fluid. The anterior vas deferens shows two portions: proximal and distal. In proximal portion (AVDp), spermatozoa are clustered and embedded in an electron-dense, basophilic glycoproteinaceous secretion Type I. In the distal portion (AVDd), the spermatophore wall is formed by incorporation of a less electron-dense glycoproteinaceous secretion Type II. The secretion Type I change to an acid polysaccharide-rich matrix that separates the spermatophores from each other. The median vas deferens (MVD) stores the spermatophores and produces the granular glycoproteinaceous seminal fluid. The posterior vas deferens (PVD) has few spermatophores. Its epithelium has many mitochondria and the PVD seminal fluid changes into a liquid and homogeneous glycoprotein. Many outpocketings in the PVD and MVD help to increase the fluid production. Overall, the reproductive pattern of Callinectes is similar to other species that produce sperm plugs. The secretions of AVD, MVD, and PVD are responsible for the polymerization that forms the solid, waxy plug in the seminal receptacle. The traits identified here are common to all Portunidae species studied so far.     

Observations on the anterior testicular ducts in snakes with emphasis on sea snakes and ultrastructure in the yellow‐bellied sea snake,Pelamis platurus

The anterior testicular ducts of squamates transport sperm from the seminiferous tubules to the ductus deferens. These ducts consist of the rete testis, ductuli efferentes, and ductus epididymis. Many histological and a few ultrastructural studies of the squamate reproductive tract exist, but none concern the Hydrophiidae, the sea snakes and sea kraits. In this study, we describe the anterior testicular ducts of six species of hydrophiid snakes as well as representatives from the Elapidae, Homolapsidae, Leptotyphlopidae, and Uropeltidae. In addition, we examine the ultrastructure of these ducts in the yellow‐bellied Sea Snake, Pelamis platurus, only the third such study on snakes. The anterior testicular ducts are similar in histology in all species examined. The rete testis is simple squamous or cuboidal epithelium and transports sperm from the seminiferous tubules to the ductuli efferentes in the extratesticular epididymal sheath. The ductuli efferentes are branched, convoluted tubules composed of simple cuboidal, ciliated epithelium, and many species possess periodic acid‐Schiff+ granules in the cytoplasm. The ductus epididymis at the light microscopy level appears composed of pseudostratified columnar epithelium. At the ultrastructural level, the rete testis and ductuli efferentes of P. platurus possess numerous small coated vesicles and lack secretory vacuoles. Apocrine blebs in the ductuli efferentes, however, indicate secretory activity, possibly by a constitutive pathway. Ultrastructure reveals three types of cells in the ductus epididymis of P. platurus: columnar principal cells, squamous basal cells, and mitochondria‐rich apical cells. This is the first report of apical cells in a snake. In addition, occasional principal cells possess a single cilium, which has not been reported in reptiles previously but is known in some birds. Finally, the ductus epididymis of P. platurus differs from other snakes that have been studied in possession of apical, biphasic secretory vacuoles. All of the proximal ducts are characterized by widening of adjacent plasma membranes into wide intercellular spaces, especially between the principal cells of the ductus epididymis. Our results contribute to a larger, collaborative study of the evolution of the squamate reproductive tract and to the potential for utilizing cellular characters in future phylogenetic inferences. J. Morphol. 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Microanatomy of the testes and testicular ducts of the butterfly lizard,Leiolepis ocellata Peters, 1971 (Reptilia: Squamata: Agamidae) during the active reproductive period

The microanatomy of the testes and testicular ducts (rete testis, ductuli efferentes, ductus epididymis and ductus deferens) of Leiolepis ocellata (Agamidae) was investigated using light microscopy including histochemistry. Each testis contains seminiferous tubules and interstitial tissues. The former house spermatogenic cells (spermatogonia A & B, preleptotene, primary and secondary spermatocytes, spermatids (steps 1–8) and spermatozoa) and Sertoli cells, while the latter comprise peritubular and intersitial tissues. The rete testis is an anastomosing duct, having intratesticular and extratesticular portions. The proximal region of ductuli efferentes has wider outer ductal and luminal diameters than those of the distal region. The convoluted ductus epididymis is subdivided into four regions (initial segment, caput, corpus and cauda), based on the ductal diameter, epithelium characteristics and cell components. The ductus deferens has the greatest diameter and is divided into the ductal and ampulla ductus deferens. The ductal portion is subdivided into the proximal and distal regions, based on the epithelium types and ductal diameters. The ampulla ductus deferens is a fibromuscular tube, having numerous mucosal folds projecting into the lumen. Spermiophagy is detectable in the ductus epididymis and ductus deferens. The present results contribute to improved fundamental knowledge on the microanatomy of the reptilian reproductive system.     

Ultrastructure of the male reproductive system and spermatophore formation in Labidocera aestiva (Crust.: Copepoda)

Summary The male reproductive system of Labidocera aestiva produces a flask-shaped spermatophore connected to a chitin-like coupling apparatus. As immature spermatozoa leave the anterior region of the testis, they pass through the lumen of a long, sinuous duct composed of a ductus deferens and seminal vesicle. Ultrastructural examination of the ductus deferens reveals a highly glandular, columnar epithelium. The cells contain arrays of rough endoplasmic reticulum and abundant, well-developed Golgi complexes. This region produces and releases into the lumen, a flocculent substance and two granular secretions that constitute the seminal fluid. In its terminal part, the ductus deferens synthesizes another secretion that forms the spermatophore wall enclosing the spermatozoa and seminal fluid. Final synthesis of the spermatophore wall occurs within the thin-walled seminal vesicle, although this region functions primarily as a storage organ. Contiguous to the seminal vesicle is an elongate, highly glandular spermatophore sac. The chitin-like coupling apparatus, which functions to attach the spermatophore to the female, is formed in the anterior region of the sac by secretions from eight cell types. The posterior region of the sac stores the flask-shaped spermatophore and produces secretions that aid ejaculation of the entire spermatophore complex.Contribution No. 236, Harbor Branch Foundation, Inc.     

The histological changes in the testis, epididymis and prostate gland of the red-bellied tree squirrel, Callosciurus erythraeus, during the growth and reproductive cycle

The male reproductive glands of the red-bellied tree squirrel, Callosciurus erythraeus, in the infantile, and prepubertal males, as well as sexually functional, degenerating and redeveloping adults were studied histologically. In the infant, testes are characterized with solid seminiferous tubules filled with primordial germ cells and Sertoli cells. Interstitial cells are sparse. The prostate is composed of condensed cell cords grouped into lobules dispersed with interlobular tissues rich in fibroblasts. In the epididymis the highly convoluted tubule is lined with a simple cuboidal or columnar epithelium and thin smooth musculature without. In the prepubertal male, germ cells are engaged actively in mitosis. Primary spermatocytes are readily recognized. Leydig cells appear in groups in the interstitial tissue. In the prostate, cell cords become highly branched and collecting tubules make their appearance. The tubules in the epididymis are enlarged in diameter but their peripheral musculature becomes thinner. In functional males, meiosis is active and bundles of spermatozoa are scattered along the central lumen. Leydig cells have their cytoplasm highly enriched. The prostate is in the secretory phase. The tubule in the epididymis is filled with sperm. In the degenerating adult, meiosis is interrupted and necrotic germ cells are detached from germinal epithelium. In the prostate, secretory and collecting ducts are eventually reduced to condensed lobules separated by interlobular fibrous tissue. The tubule in the epididymis often fills with necrotic germ cells but no sperm. In the redeveloping adult, the histology of the testes, prostate and epididymis is similar to that of the prepubertal male. However, there is more fibrous tissue in the interlobular septa in the prostate gland and thick musculature at the periphery of the tubule in the epididymis.     

Morphology of the male system and spermatophores of the arrowworm Ferosagitta hispida (Chaetognatha)

Transmission electron microscopy reveals that the somatic testicular tissues and sperm ducts are elaborations of the epithelial lining of the tail coelom. The testes consist of closely packed spermatogonia embedded between specialized lateral field cells. These cells contain few organelles and appear to function mainly as a compartment boundary. Masses of spermatogenic cells are released into the tail coelom from the anterior end of the testes. The sperm ducts, lined by simple cuboidal ciliated epithelium, collect mature spermatozoa from the tail coelom and convey them to the blindly ending seminal vesicles. The sperm ducts also modify coelomic fluid entering them along with the spermatozoa. The seminal vesicles consist of a simple glandular lining epithelium embedded in the stratified epidermis. Secretions of the lining epithelium surround the enclosed sperm mass and correspond in position to a noncellular spermatophore coat visible by light microscopy around released sperm masses. Spermatophores leave the seminal vesicles through a temporary split that forms between microfilament-containing suture cells. Maturation of spermatozoa and filling of the seminal vesicles is cyclical, occurring late each day. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Expression of nerve growth factor (NGF), and its receptors TrkA and p75 in the reproductive organs of the adult male rats

Immunolocalization of nerve growth factor (NGF) and its receptors, TrkA and p75 in the reproductive organs of adult male rats was investigated. Sections of the testis, efferent duct, epididymis, deferent duct, seminal vesicle, coagulating gland and prostate of adult male rats were immunostained by the avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex methods (ABC). NGF was expressed in Leydig cells, primary spermatocytes and pachytene spermatocytes in the testis. TrkA only immunoreacted to elongate spermatids and p75 showed positive immunostaining in the Sertoli cells, Leydig cells, the pachytene spermatocytes and elongate spermatids. Immunoreactions for NGF and its two receptors were detected in epithelial cells of efferent duct, deferent duct and epididymis. In addition, immunoreactions for NGF and its two receptors were also observed in columnar secretory epithelium lines of the seminal vesicles, prostate and coagulating gland. These results suggest that NGF is an important growth factor in gonadal function of adult male rats.     

Immunohistochemical localization of epididymal secretory glycoprotein EP1 in the adult male chimpanzee.

Proteins, synthesized by the epididymal epithelium, are secreted sequentially into the lumen of the ducts epididymis where they effect sperm maturation and enable functional motility and fertilizing capacity. EP1 is a major secretory glycoprotein of chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) epididymis. The epididymal duct exhibits diverse histology (Smithwick & Young, 1997). Epithelia I-V of the efferent ducts show no characteristic anti-EP1 binding. The densest granules of anti-EP1 reaction product appear in epithelium VI adjacent to the basal lamina in the infranuclear region of the principal cells (PCs), in the cytoplasm of the apical half of the PCs, and in the perinuclear and perivacuolar cytoplasm of the basal cells. In epithelia VII-XIV of the ductus epididymis proper, anti-EP1 binding decreases distally and is localized in the cytoplasm of the PCs and basal cells, among the stereocilia of the luminal border, within various microvillar borders, and in the luminal fluid. Therefore, EP1 appears to be synthesized and secreted primarily in the caput region of the ductus epididymis and may be reabsorbed nonselectively across epithelia with apical microvilli, including the non-ciliated cells of efferent ducts, the distal corpus and cauda of the ductus epididymis, and the proximal ductus deferens.     

The origin and fate of spermatophores in the viviparous teleost Cymatogaster aggregata (Perciformes: Embiotocidae)

The sperm of the shiner surfperch are packaged into high density aggregations which are introduced into the female genital tract at insemination. Germ cell differentiation occurs within cysts formed by nongerminal Sertoli cells. In late spermiogenesis, spermatozoa within the cysts come to lie parallel to each other and become more densely packed. These sperm packets (spermatophores), containing approximately 600 spermatozoa, then are released into the efferent sperm ducts. The exact nature of the spermatophore binding material is not known, but a major component is proteinaceous and is synthesized in the rough endoplasmic reticulum of the efferent sperm duct epithelial cells. The mechanism by which the spermatophores pass from cysts into ducts is not clear. It appears that whereas many Sertoli cells degenerate causing the cyst wall to break down, many Sertoli cells do not degenerate, but rather assume the configuration of columnar duct cells. The spermatophores remain intact within the testicular ducts, but rapidly dissolve within the female ducts in response to increased pH.     

Spermatophore formation and sperm ultrastructure of Sundathelphusa philippina (Crustacea: Brachyura: Gecarcinucidae)

We investigated the morphology of spermatozoa, spermatophores and the anterior vas deferens (AVD) of the gecarcinucid freshwater crab Sundathelphusa philippina. The morphology of the acrosome (proportions, structure and arrangement of acrosomal layers) and the spermatophores complies with the known sperm and spermatophore morphology of the brachyuran family Gecarcinucidae. The sperm cells are packed within coenospermic spermatophores that are of a mucous type, lacking a complex spermatophore wall. Spermatophore formation takes place in the distal part of the AVD. The strongly proliferated inner epithelium of the vas deferens releases vesicles via apocrine secretion. These vesicles fuse with the incipient spermatophores that subsequently coalesce, thus forming the coenospermic aggregates that represent the mature spermatophores.     

The reproductive cycle of the male sleep snake Sibynomorphus mikanii (Schlegel, 1837) from southeastern brazil

This study describes the male reproductive cycle of Sibynomorphus mikanii from southeastern Brazil considering macroscopic and microscopic variables. Spermatogenesis occurs during spring–summer (September–December) and spermiogenesis or maturation occurs in summer (December–February). The length and width of the kidney, the tubular diameter, and the epithelium height of the sexual segment of the kidney (SSK) are larger in summer–autumn (December–May). Histochemical reaction of the SSK [periodic acid‐Schiff (PAS) and bromophenol blue (BB)] shows stronger results during summer–autumn, indicating an increase in the secretory activity of the granules. Testicular regression is observed in autumn and early winter (March–June) when a peak in the width of the ductus deferens occurs. The distal ductus deferens as well as the ampulla ductus deferentis exhibit secretory activities with positive reaction for PAS and BB. These results suggest that this secretion may nourish the spermatozoa while they are being stored in the ductus deferens. The increase in the Leydig cell nuclear diameter in association with SSK hypertrophy and the presence of sperm in the female indicate that the mating season occurs in autumn when testes begin to decrease their activity. The peak activity of Leydig cells and SSK exhibits an associated pattern with the mating season. However, spermatogenesis is dissociated of the copulation characterizing a complex reproductive cycle. At the individual level, S. mikanii males present a continuous cyclical reproductive pattern in the testes and kidneys (SSK), whereas at the populational level the reproductive pattern may be classified as seasonal semisynchronous. © J. Morphol., 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Immunochemical distribution and immunohistochemical localization of 20β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase in neonatal pig tissues

Immunochemical distribution of 20β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD) in neonatal pig tissues was investigated by Western blot analysis of the proteins reacting with anti-20β-HSD antibody. 20β-HSD was present in all organs investigated: brain, lung, thymus, submandibular gland, heart, liver, kidney, spleen, adrenal gland, testis, epididymis, prostate, vas deferens and seminal vesicle. In particular, high concentrations of 20β-HSD were detected in the testis, followed by the kidney and liver, by the [¹²⁵I]-protein A binding method. Immunohistochemical localization of the enzyme was achieved in paraffin sections of the testis, kidney, liver, epididymis, and vas deferens by the streptoavidin-biotin complex method. In the testis, very strong immunostaining was found only in interstitial Leydig cells, whereas the cells in seminiferous tubules, such as Sertoli cells and spermatogenic cells, were entirely negative. In the kidney, strong immunostaining was detected in epithelial cells of Henle's loop. The immunoreactive proteins were also localized in the hepatic lobules of the liver, tall columnar cells of the ductus epididymidis of the epididymis, and mucosal epithelium cells and muscularis of the vas deferens. These observations indicate that tissue distribution of 20β-HSD is similar to that of carbonyl reductase in the human and rat. However, the specific and abundant expression of 20β-HSD in testicular Leydig cells of the neonatal pig, which are concerned with the synthesis of androgens, suggests that 20β-HSD has a very important physiological role in testicular function during the neonatal stage.     

日本沼虾输精管的结构及其在精荚形成中作用的研究

应用光镜和透射电镜技术研究了日本沼虾输精管的结构及其在精荚形成中的作用。结果表明,日本沼虾输精管从形态结构上可分为近端输精管、卷曲输精管、远端输精管和膨大的远端输精管四部分。各部分的管壁皆由分泌上皮、基膜、肌肉层和结缔组织构成,其中分泌上皮包括高度明显不同的低柱状上皮和高拄状上皮两部分。输精管各部分管腔内含有处于不同形成阶段的精荚。进入近端输精管内的精子被支撑在一种嗜酸性基质中。近端输精管的分泌物主要帮助形成精子团,同时形成精荚壁的极小部分。卷曲和远端输精管分泌形成精荚壁的绝大部分,其分泌物由细胞顶端通过外排作用和顶泌机制分泌产生。膨大的远端输精管具有贮存精荚的作用,其分泌上皮也通过外排作用和顶泌机制产生分泌物包裹在已基本形成的精荚外侧,管壁肌肉层在雌雄交配时将管腔内的精荚切割成适宜长度并排出体外。       

New insights in the male anatomy,spermatophore formation,and sperm structure in Atyidae: The red cherry shrimp Neocaridina davidi

This study aims to analyze the functional anatomy of the male reproductive system in Neocaridina davidi, a very popular ornamental species of caridean shrimp. Mature males were cold‐anaesthetized and their reproductive systems were dissected for histological and histochemical analysis, while the spermatozoa and spermatophore wall ultrastructure were analyzed under transmission electron microscopy. The male reproductive system consisted of two coiled testes, which were continuous with the vasa deferentia. Testes were positioned on the dorsal side of the cephalothorax above the hepatopancreas, and comprised seminiferous tubules where spermatogenesis occurred. Each vas deferens (VD) was a long tube dorsolaterally positioned with respect to the hepatopancreas, and increased in diameter at the distal end. Three regions could be recognized in the VD: proximal, middle, and distal. The proximal region had a cylindrical epithelium with secretory cells. The middle region (or typhlosole) had a dorsal fold (or typhlosole) with a thick columnar epithelium and high secretory activity. The spermatophore was a continuous cord with three acellular layers, which were mainly characterized by the presence of neutral glycoconjugates and proteins. The sperm morphology was distinct from the inverted cup‐shaped spermatozoa observed in the majority of caridean shrimps. The spermatozoa in specimens of N. davidi were spherical in shape, with a cross‐striated, single, short spike, and arranged in clusters of three or four sperm cells. The composition of the spermatophore, and the arrangement and form of the spermatozoa, seem to be unique in comparison to other species of Caridea.     

Trehalase from the bean-shaped accessory glands and the spermatophore of the male mealworm beetle,Tenebrio molitor

Summary InTenebrio molitor, male adults transfer sperm to the female via a spermatophore or sperm sac. The spermatophore is formed from secretions of the bean-shaped accessory glands (BAGs) and the tubular accessory glands (TAGs) of the male beetle. Trehalase is found in the adult BAGs. During the pupal stage, the activity in the BAGs was very low. After adult ecdysis, the total activity increased 100-fold from 0 days to 6 days and reached maximum levels at 9 days. The specific activity increased 20-fold from the time of ecdysis to 6 days thereafter. In the 10 day adult, trehalase levels in testes, seminal vesicles, vas deferens, TAGs, or ejaculatory ducts, were lower by two orders of magnitude than in the BAGs. However, the specific activity in the spermatophore was similar to that in the BAGs. Trehalases in the BAGs and the spermatophores showed very similar properties (soluble, optimum pH of 5.75 andK _m value of 5.4 mM for trehalose). Thus trehalase appears to be secreted from the BAGs and becomes incorporated into the spermatophores.Abbreviations BAG bean-shaped accessory gland - TAG tubular accessory gland