Ultrastructure of Phasmid Development in Meloidodera floridensis and M. charis (Heteroderinae)

Phylogenetic characters for Heteroderinae Luc. et al., 1988 are evaluated in Meloidodera which is believed to have primarily ancestral characters. Phasmid ultrastructure is observed in second-stage juveniles (J2), third-stage juvenile males, fourth-stage juvenile males, and fifth-stage males of Meloidodera floridensis and M. charis. Phasmid secretion occurs inside the egg before the J1-J2 molt. Before J2 hatch, concentric lamellar membranes occur within the sheath and socket cells. Some membranes become lamellae of the sheath cell plasma membrane; others become multilamellar bodies. During early molting, plasma membrane lamellae disappear and a distal dendrite segment appears in a rudimentary canal. After the molt, the distal dendrite is not present within the canal. The phylogenetic utility of phasmid features is discussed. In both species the ampulla shape and size between molts are stable features in juveniles and males. The posthatch J2 sheath cell receptor cavity may vary in a species specific manner, but comparative morphology requires precise timing after hatch.     

Morphology and ultrastructure of the sensory spine,a presumed mechanoreceptor of Sphaeroma hookeri (Crustacea,Isopoda), and remarks on similar spines in other peracarids

The isopod Sphaeroma hookeri and many other isopods and peracarids have a sensory spine with laterally inserting sensory hair, positioned in the apical region of the propodal palm of pereopod 1. This spine is innervated by five to eight sensory cells (each giving rise to one cilium) the dendrites of which can be divided into an inner and outer dendritic segment. The cilia are surrounded by an extracellular, electron-dense dendritic sheath. Thirteen enveloping cells are present. The outer dendritic segment (structure beyond the basal bodies) contains two receptor lymph cavities; the inner one lying within the dendritic sheath is homologous with the inner receptor lymph cavity of insects. Scolopales, or tubular bodies, are lacking; their function is probably accomplished by the dendritic sheath. Apically the sensory hair does not have a pore, and the spine is heavily sclerotized. The inner dendritic segment begins with a basal body from which rootlets of different length and thickness extend into the dendrite. In the latter is an accumulation of vesicles. The dendrites keep close contact with other dendrites and the enveloping cells by desmosomal membrane structures. The possible importance of the sensory spine for phylogenetic studies is discussed.     

Fine structure of the statocyst sensilla of the mysid shrimp Neomysis integer (Leach, 1814) (Crustacea,Mysidacea)

The fine structure of the statocyst sensilla of Neomysis integer was investigated. The statocyst contains about 35 sensilla, which are composed of two bipolar sensory cells, nine enveloping cells, and a seta. The sensory cells consist of an axon, a perikaryon, and a dendrite. The dendrite contains a proximal segment with a ciliary rootlet and at least one basal body, and a distal segment with a ciliary axoneme (9 × 2 + 0) at its base. The distal segment extends along the peripheral wall of the seta and is in close contact with the wall of the hair shaft. The enveloping cells surround the proximal and distal segments of the dendrite. The innermost enveloping cell contains a scolopale rod. It surrounds the receptor lymph cavity and secretes flocculent material into this cavity. From the tip of the cell a dendritic sheath, which encloses the distal segment of the dendrite, emerges. A peculiar feature of the second enveloping cell is the presence of a scolopale-like rod, which is more slender and less pronounced than in the first enveloping cell. The seta consists of three parts: a socket, a tubular midpart, and a gutter-like apical part, the tip of which penetrates into the statolith. The seta shows over its full length a bilaterally symmetrical axis that is coplanar with the plane in which the seta is bent toward the statolith. The structure of the seta and the position of the distal segments provide morphological evidence for directional sensitivity of the sensilla and for the magnitude of shear on the setal wall being an adequate stimulus.     

Ultrastructure of a possible new type of crustacean cuticular strain receptor in Carcinus maenas (crustacea,decapoda)

A hitherto unknown sensillum type, the “intracuticular sensillum” was identified on the dactyls of the walking legs of the shore crab, Carcinus maenas. Each sensillum is innervated by two sensory cells with dendrites of “scolopidial” (type I) organization. The ciliary segment of the dendrite is 5–6 μm long and contains A-tubules with an electron-dense core and dynein arm-like protuberances; the terminal segment is characterized by densely packed microtubules. The outer dendritic segments pass through the endo- and exocuticle enclosed in a dendritic sheath and a cuticulax tube (canal), which is suspended inside a slit-shaped cavity by cuticular lamellae. The dendrites and the cavity terminate in a cupola-shaped invagination of the epicuticle. External cuticular structures are lacking. Three inner and four to six outer enveloping cells are associated with each intracuticular sensillum. The innermost enveloping cell contains a large scolopale that is connected to the ciliary rootlets inside the inner dendritic segments by desmosomes. Scolopale rods are present in enveloping cell 2. Since type I dendrites and a scolopale are regarded as modality-specific structures of mechanoreceptors, and since no supracuticular endorgan is present, the intracuticular sensilla likely are sensitive to cuticular strains. The intracuticular sensilla should be regarded as analogous to insect campaniform sensilla and arachnid slit sense organs.     

Ultrastructure of the chemosensitive basiconic single-walled wall-pore sensilla on the antennae in adults and embryonic stages of Locusta migratoria L. (Insecta,Orthoptera)

Summary The structure and embryonic development of the two types (A, B) of basiconic sensilla on the antennae of Locusta migratoria were studied in material that had been cryofixed and freeze-substituted, or chemically fixed and dehydrated. Both types are single-walled wall-pore sensilla. Type-A sensilla comprise 20–30 sensory and 7 enveloping cells. One enveloping cell (thecogen cell secretes the dendrite sheath); four are trichogen cells, projections of which form the trichogen process during the 2nd embryonic molt. The trichogen cells form two concentric pairs proximally. Two tormogen cells secrete the cuticular socket of the sensillum. The dendritic outer segments of the sensory cells are branched. Bifurcate type-A sensilla have also been observed. Type-B sensilla comprise three sensory and four enveloping cells (one thecogen, two trichogen and one tormogen). The trichogen process is formed by the two trichogen cells, each of which gives rise to two projections. The trichogen cells are concentrically arranged. The dendritic outer segments of the sensory cells are unbranched. In the fully developed sensillum, all trichogen and tormogen cells border on the outer receptor lymph cavity. It is suggested that the multicellular organization of the type-A sensilla can be regarded as being advanced rather than primitive.Supported by the Dcutschc Forschungsgemeinschaft (SFB 4/G1)     

Labellar taste organs of Drosophila melanogaster

There are 36 to 42 taste bristles on each half of the labellum of Drosophila melanogaster; most of them are two-pronged with a pouch between them. Some end bluntly with a pore at the tip. Each taste-bristle has two lumina: one is circular, the other crescent-like in cross section. In most bristles four dendrites of chemoreceptor neurons run along the circular lumen. In five to seven taste-bristles only two chemoreceptor neurons are found. A mechanoreceptor neuron sends a dendrite to the base of each taste-bristle. The dendrites are surrounded by four concentrically-arranged sheath cells. The inner cell secretes the cuticular sheath; cells II and III are presumably two trichogens, one secreting the bristle material around the circular lumen, the other around the crescent-like lumen. Cell IV, especially rich in bundles of microtubules, secretes the cuticle of the socket, and corresponds to the tormogen. The neurons have the typical structure found in insect sensilla. In many sensilla one neuron is less electron-dense than the others and may be the water-sensor. On the medial side of the labellum between the pseudotracheae are rows of taste pegs covered by folds. In each peg one chemoreceptor and one mechanoreceptor are found. The number of axons in each labial nerve agrees with the total number of dendrites in all taste organs of each lobe.     

Differentiation of the thermo-/hygrosensitive (no-pore) sensilla on the antenna of Antheraea pernyi (Lepidoptera,Saturniidae): a study of cryofixed material

Summary The morphogenesis of the thermo- and hygro-sensitive sensilla styloconica of Antheraea pernyi was studied, exclusively by cryomethods, during the second half of pupal development. The three major processes taking place during this period are (1) the differentiation of the dendritic outer segments of the sensory cells, especially of the lamellated type-2 receptor, (2) the formation of the receptor-lymph cavities, (3) the formation of tubular structures of unknown function in the inner receptor-lymph cavity, and (4) the elongation of the dendrite sheath. The formation of lamellae in the type-2 dendritic outer segment is achieved by the enfolding of its originally cylindrical cytoplasmic membrane. Autocellular junctions, previously described in the sensilla of adult animals, are found to join the forming lamellae. Close similarities between the junctions and smooth septate junctions are demonstrated. Both the extensive inner and outer receptor-lymph cavities are formed by invagination and folding of the apical cytoplasmic membranes of the three enveloping cells. Formation starts at the most apical projection of the cells and proceeds in a proximal direction. Up to 4-m-long tubular structures appear, exclusively in developmental stages, in the inner receptor-lymph cavity. They are composed of plasma membranes whose inner surface is studded with regularly spaced electron-dense particles. Contacts with the cytoplasmic membrane of the innermost enveloping cell demonstrate that the structures are composed of lipid membranes. During elongation of the dendrite sheath, which in these sensilla is apically attached to the hair wall, an 2-m-long growth-zone is observed at its proximal end. By addition of sheath-forming material to the growth-zone, the latter continuously moves proximally until the sheath is completed.     

Light and electron microscopic studies of slowly adapting abdominal stretch receptors of the American river crayfish Orconectes limosus (RAF)]

The slowly adapting abdominal stretch receptors of Orconectes limosus (RAF) have been investigated morphologically; 1. Despite their variety of size and shape all slowly adapting receptor neurons show common characteristic features which in addition distinguish them clearly from the fast adapting receptor neuron type SN2. The slightly globular cells have always several dendrites (often 4-6). They originate apical or lateral to the neuron, are oriented mainly longitudinal to the muscle fibres and are brodly ramified. The fine dendrites form a 3-dimensional fibrilar network. 2. The structure and distribution of the connective tissue in the "intertendon" of the muscle receptor organ correspond to the dendrite ramification; In this area, some muscle fibres end direktly at tendon-like connective tissue structures, but a number of different fibres run uninerruptedly through the whole muscular fascicle. 3. The perikaryon of every sensory neuron shows 2 "cytoplasm types" which are clearly distinguishable one against the other. A characteristic feature of the granular-lamellar neuroplasm that closely surrounds the nucleus are many flat vesicles of the granular endoplasmatic reticulum, accumulations of free ribosomes, numerous mitochondria and Golgi fields. The fibril-rich neuroplasm on the contrary contains only few mitochondria, but very many neurofilaments, here and there also neurotubuli. It projects directly into the dendrites and neuritek. Cell bodies, axon and dendrites are surrounded alternatingly by sheath cells and connective tissue of collagenous nature. The innermost layer of the coat cells borders directly on the neuron membrane. Finer dendrites are enclosed by nothing more but a thin layer of sheath cell plasm and intercellular substance. The dendrite terminals are either stored directly in connective tissue ground substance or border immediately on the sarcoplasm. 5. The axo-dendritic or axo-somatic synapses, respectively, contain numerous ellipsoidal (250-350 X 400-500 A), but also many spherical, vesicles. Some vesicles have a slightly larger diameter (700-900 A) and contain an electron-dense core. The synaptic gap measures 150 to 200 A. The neuromuscular (supposedly excitatory) synapses are filled much lighter with vesicles as compared with those just mentioned, which show a relatively unique form and size (nearly all spherical, phi 400-500 A). There are less vesicles with an electron-dense centre. On the average, the synaptic gap is broader (200-250 A) and the contact zone is larger. Apart from these, terminals could be observed in the dendritic ramification area, too, resembling the axo-dendritic and axo-somatic ones, respectively. 6. Finer dendrite branches contain vesicles differing slightly from those mentioned above as far as shape and size are concerned. Their diameters vary between 500 and 1 000 A. "Dense bodies" could be observed sporadically in these vesicles.     

Sensory innervation monitoring movement and position in the mandibular stylets of the aphid, Brevicoryne brassicae

The sensory innervation of the mandibular stylets of the aphid Brevicoryne brassicae (L.) has been examined by electron microscopy. Two groups of sensory neurones are present in the mandible. Each has two neurones, one with a short dendrite extending into the base of the mandible and ending in the base and another with a long microtubular process which extends 500 m? down to the distal tip of the mandible. The two neurones are enclosed by an ensheathing cell comparable to the trichogen cell enveloping the group of neurones innervating pegs and hairs. This ensheathing cell is supported by extensive electron-dense filaments to form a scolopale and is embedded in the mass of stylet-forming cells at the base of the mandible. The inner segments of the dendrites are anchored to the ensheathing cell by desmosome junctions. Desmosome junctions also bind the microtubular outer segments of the short and long dendrite to each other. There is no evidence of a dendritic sheath enclosing the distal portion of the short dendrite which ends while still in the extracellular space within the ensheathing cell. The microtubular process of the long dendrite extends down the lumen of the mandible enclosed by a close-fitting extracellular sheath which penetrates and is attached to the cuticular wall of the mandible tip. Distally this sheath is thickened on one side. Deflection of the mandible would therefore deform the dendritic membrane asymmetrically because the thin walls of the sheath would bend more than the thick walls. This would exert an unequal mechanical strain on the dendritic membrane which could result in depolarization in response to deflection in a particular direction. The arrangement of the dendrites and their sheaths within the mandible is such that deflection to the right would distort one dendrite in the same way as deflection to the left would distort the other.     

Sensory cell degeneration in the ontogeny of the chemosensitive sensilla in the labial palp-pit organ of the butterfly,Pieris rapae L. (Insecta,Lepidoptera)

Summary The ontogeny of the chemoreceptive sensilla in the labial palp-pit organ was studied in Pieris rapae by examining twelve successive stages between pupation and emergence of the imago, which takes a period of 160 h under the experimental conditions. Mitoses occur until 20 h after pupation. They lead to anlagen of sensilla, 91% of which are comprised of three sensory cells. However, two sensory cells degenerate in each sensillum during a period of 28 h. The same process occurs in anlagen with four sensory cells resulting in bicellular sensilla. Axons grow out only after the number of sensory cells has been reduced. Further consecutive steps in sensory cell differentiation are: (a) outgrowth of dendritic outer segment and dendrite sheath; (b) outgrowth of trichogen process and change in structure of elongating dendrite sheath; (c) deposition of cuticle and pore tubules in the pegs; (d) retraction of trichogen process; (e) increase in diameter of dendritic outer segment accompanied by increase of microtubule number and appearance of regularly spaced electron-dense bodies at tubular doublets; (f) branching of dendritic outer segment; and (g) transformation of the dendritic branches into curled lamellae and partial destruction of the dendrite sheath. The unique process of sensory cell degeneration is interpreted as an event that revokes a step towards a possible functional improvement of the labial palp-pit organ during further evolutionSupported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (SFB 4/G1)     

Lectin staining of the dendrite sheath in contact chemosensitive sensilla of Periplaneta americana

The two sensillum lymph cavities of contact chemosensitive sensilla of insects are separated by the dendrite sheath. The composition of the dendrite sheath in the contact chemosensitive sensilla of the ventral sensory field on the maxillary palps of Periplaneta americana L. has been studied using lectin cytochemistry. The dendrite sheaths can be isolated from the surrounding tissue and the autofluorescent cuticle by incubation of cryostat sections in phosphate-buffered saline containing 1% Triton X-100. Various lectins bind specifically to the dendrite sheath indicating the presence of sugar residues. Enzymatic digestion with hyaluronidase or trypsin prior to lectin cytochemistry decreases staining intensity, whereas treatment with neuraminidase and chitinase causes no visible change. The material of the dendrite sheath can thus be assumed to contain acid mucopolysaccharides that probably are similar to those of the receptor lymph cavities. The negatively charged, hydrophilic acid mucopolysaccharides may make the dendrite sheath permeable for small cations. These findings are discussed in the context of the functional significance of the dendrite sheath in contact chemosensory sensilla of insects.     

Structure and Role of the Renette Cell and Caudal Glands in the Nematode Sphaerolaimus gracilis (Monhysterida)

Ultrastructure of the renette cell and caudal glands was studied in the free-living aquatic nematode Sphaerolaimus gracilis. The renette cell occurred posterior to the esophageal-intestinal junction and opened through an ampulla to a ventral pore behind the nerve ring. The caudal gland system of the tail consisted of two gland cells opening through separate pores and 2 to 3 other gland cells of a different type opening through a common pore. The renette cell and the two caudal gland cells were similar and both contained secretory granules, 0.5-1.5 μm in diameter. The material released attached the nematode to the substrate. The renette ampulla was surrounded by a specialized cell, the ampulla cell, which had characteristics of myoepithelium. A plug or valve structure connected to the ampulla cell may regulate the output of the secretory material. The ampulla cell is able to contract and thus is probably under direct neuronal control. Other cells in the renette ampulla region of body cavity were termed supporting cells. Living, cold-relaxed nematodes were attached to sediment particles in the renette pore region and at the tail tip. Release from sediment particles was mechanical at the renette cell discharge site but appeared to be chemical at the caudal gland. In behavioral experiments, nematodes in a water current had the ability to release a thread from the caudal glands while maintaining contact with a sediment particle attached to the tail end. If the thread was strong enough, it also could be used to change location. Nematodes anchored by the thread from the caudal glands to a sediment particle could float in water currents until they attached themselves to another sediment particle with the help of secretions from the renette cells.     

Phasmid ultrastructure of an ascaridoid nematode Hysterothylacium auctum

Here, for the first time in an ascaridoid (Hysterothylacium auctum), we present structural features of the phasmids, paired sense organs, positioned in a bilateral manner close to the point of the tail; the features were obtained using scanning and transmission electron microscopy. We found that each phasmid consists of a single ciliated dendritic process situated in a phasmidial canal surrounded by 2 supporting cells, a socket and a sheath cell. The socket cell contains clusters of electron-dense fibrous material in its apical region and covers the phasmidial canal along its whole length. The sheath cell is characterized by a well-developed endoplasmic reticulum. The phasmidial canal is lined with a thin layer of cuticle that becomes incomplete at the base of the ciliated dendritic process. In this region, the dendritic process consists primarily of a high number of microtubule singlets and some peripheral microtubule doublets. The base of the dendritic process, containing numerous striated rootlets, gives off a large number of fingerlike offshoots, villi, invading the surrounding sheath cell. The systematic significance and functional implication of the phasmid in nematodes are also discussed.     

Ultrastructure of the peg and hair sensilla on the antenna of larval Aedes aegypti (L.)

The antenna of fourth instar larvae of Aedes aegypti has one peg organ of a basiconic type innervated by four neurons. The dendrites are ensheathed to near their terminations at the peg tip by an electron-dense dendritic sheath and by a cuticular sheath. They have easy communication by diffusion with the external environment only at the tip through a peripheral ensheathing membrane and six slit-channels. One of the dendrites resembles a tubular body proximally and may be mechanoreceptive. The peg generally appears to be a contact chemoreceptor. There are three antennal hairs of a typical sensillum trichodeum type innervated at the base by one neuron each. An intricate terminal mechanism at the insertion of the dendrite in the hair is described. These are believed to be tactile hairs. There are also three antennal hairs each innervated by two neurons. The dendrite from one terminates at the base similar to that of a tactile hair, and is believed to function in a similar mechanoreceptive manner. The dendrite from the second neuron extends naked along the length of the hair lumen. It is believed to be primarily chemoreceptive, in a slow-acting general sensory function. In all the sensilla there appear to be secretions produced in the junction body regions of the dendrites, and there is evidence for accumulation of secretory materials in the dendritic tips in some of the sensilla.     

The mechanism of sensory transduction in the sensilla of the trochanteral hair plate of the cockroach,Periplaneta americana

Summary The trochanteral hair plate of the cockroach leg contains approximately 60 hair sensilla that are deflected by a joint membrane during flexion of the leg. Previous work has shown that the organ is a mechanoreceptor which limits leg flexion during walking by reflex connections to flexor and extensor motoneurons. Functional analysis of the largest sensilla has shown that their behaviour may be well approximated by a velocity detector followed by a unidirectional rectifier.We report here the results of an examination of the largest sensilla by scanning and transmission electron microscopy in an attempt to correlate the structure with the known functional elements. Each hair is innervated by a single sensory dendrite which is surrounded by an electron dense dendritic sheath. The dendrite terminates below the hair shaft in a tubular body containing a parallel array of microtubules embedded in an electron dense matrix, while the dendritic sheath extends beyond the tubular body to form the walls of the ecdysial canal. At the proximal end of the tubular body the dendritic sheath and sensory dendrite are anchored to the cuticular socket by a fibrous dome which seems to form a fulcrum around which the tubular body can be deflected by movements of the hair. We suggest that the basis for the detection of velocity may be mechanical differentiation by a fluid space between the dendritic sheath and the tubular body. The structure is also discussed with relation to the mechanism of sensory transduction and the possible causes of the unidirectional sensitivity.Supported by the Canadian Medical Research Council. The authors gratefully acknowledge the expert technical assistance of Sita Prasad     

Anatomy of the antennal dorsal organ in female of Neodryinus typhlocybae (Hymenoptera: Dryinidae): A peculiar sensory structure possibly involved in perception of host vibration

Neodryinus typhlocybae (Hymenoptera: Dryinidae) is a natural enemy of the planthopper Metcalfa pruinosa, which was introduced from North America into Europe and has become established in various regions as a pest species. Vibrational signals play a crucial role in the communication of M. pruinosa, which appears to be exploited by N. typhlocybae. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy have shown that the antennae of N. typhlocybae females have peculiar and complex sensory structures: deep longitudinal grooves that house long sensilla trichodea, termed here “Antennal Dorsal Organs.” Such structures were not present on male antennae. These sensilla extend for the length of the grooves, without contact with the groove cuticle. Their hair shaft is empty and aporous, and inserted into a specialized socket, underneath which there is a cuticular ampulla‐like chamber. Each sensillum is associated with two sensory neurons: one terminates at the proximal end of the dendritic sheath; the other continues into the sensillum sinus and is enclosed in the dendritic sheath. This second sensory neuron then enters the ampulla‐like chamber through the circular opening, and then terminates with a conspicuous tubular body at the shaft base. The possible involvement of this peculiar structure in the context of host recognition mechanism is discussed. J. Morphol. 277:128–137, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Morphometric and ultrastructural features of the mare oviduct epithelium during oestrus

Morphometric, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) investigations have displayed regional differences in the mare oviductal epithelium. The entire mucosa of the oviduct was lined with a pseudostratified epithelium, which consisted of two distinct cell types, ciliated and non-ciliated. Ciliated cells were predominant in the three different segments of the oviduct and their percentage increased from fimbriae to ampulla and significantly decreased in the isthmus. SEM revealed in the infundibulum finger-like mucosal folds, some of them interconnected, in the ampulla numerous and elaborated branched folds of the mucosa, whereas the isthmus displayed a narrow lumen, short and non-branched mucosal folds. In the ampulla and isthmus the majority of non-ciliated cells showed apical blebs provided or not of short microvilli. TEM displayed different ultrastructural features of ciliated and non-ciliated cells along the oviduct. Isthmus ciliated cells presented a more electron-dense cytoplasm than in infundibulum and ampulla cells and its cilia were enclosed in an amorphous matrix. The non-ciliated cells of infundibulum did not contain secretory granules but some apical endocytic vesicles and microvilli coated by a well developed glycocalyx. Non-ciliated cells of ampulla and isthmus contained secretory granules. Apical protrusions of ampulla displayed two types of secretory granules as well as occasional electron-lucent vesicles. Isthmus non-ciliated cells showed either electron-lucent or electron-dense cytoplasm and not all contained apical protrusions. The electron-dense non-ciliated cells displayed microvilli coated with a well developed glycocalyx. Three types of granules were observed in the isthmus non-ciliated cells. The regional differences observed along the epithelium lining the mare oviduct suggest that the epithelium of the each segment is involved in the production of a distinctive microenvironment with a unique biochemical milieu related to its functional role.     

Development of the hair mechanosensilla on the pupal labial palp of the butterfly,Pieris rapae L. (Lepidoptera : Pieridae)

Structure and ontogeny of the hair mechanosensilla on the distal segment of the pupal labial palp of Pieris rapae (Lepidoptera : Pieridae) were investigated in 7 successive stages between 28 hr after pupation and emergence of the imago. There are 7–8 mechanosensilla in the distal region of each palp in both sexes. These sensilla house a single sensory cell characterized by a tubular body, and 3 enveloping cells.At 28 hr after pupation, the anlagen of the hair mechanosensila are visible. Consecutive steps in the formation of the sensilla are: (1) elongation of the outer dendritic segment and of the dendritic sheath; (2) outgrowth of the trichogen cell and cuticle deposition; (3) increase in the diameter of the dendritic outer segment and in the number of microtubules within it; (4) reduction of the distal part of the dendritic outer segment and formation of the tubular body; (5) folding of the membrane of the dendritic outer segment and appearance of the receptor lymph cavity.The tubular body is formed during a period of about 80 hr. Its earliest appearance comprises groups of 3–4 microtubules, which are connected by electron-dense material. The final dense tubular body develops via microtubules linked together by electron-dense material.     

Fine structure of antennal putative thermo-/hygrosensilla of adult Rhodnius prolixus Stål (Hemiptera: Reduviidae)

At least five nonporous sensilla with inflexible sockets (npsensilla) occur on each antenna of both sexes of adult Rhodnius prolixus. Externally the sensillum appears as a short, rounded peg set into a pit surrounded by a depression. A very electron-dense material occurs in the peg lumen and the inner aspect of the pit. Filamentous extensions of this material radiate into the overlying outlets. Each sensillum is innervated by three neurons with unbranched dendrites. Two dendrites extend to the peg tip and distally are covered by a dendritic sheath. The portion of these dendrites within the sheath contains a large number of microtubules. The third dendrite terminates near the base of the dentritic sheath and partially wraps around the other two dendrites. Three sheath cells are associated with each sensillum. Based on similarities in structure with sensilla of known function it is probable that the np-sensilla of R. prolixus are thermo-/hygrosensilla responding to cold, dryness and wetness. The sensilla have a number of structural similarities with insect rectal sheath cells known to absorb atmospheric water by electroosmosis. Possibly this process leads to volumetric alterations of cuticular elements associated with the dendrites and ultimately to mechanotransduction.     

The mechanosensory apparatus of the femoral tactile spine of the cockroach,Periplaneta americana

Summary Tactile spines are large cuticular sense organs that appear to provide insects with a sense of touch which is spatially coarse but of great sensitivity. Cockroach legs have a number of these spines on each leg and a particularly prominent spine on the end of each femur, the femoral tactile spine. The ease of recording afferent activity from this spine during mechanical stimulation has made it one of the most thoroughly studied insect mechanoreceptors and yet it has never been examined by electron microscopy.We report here the results of an examination of the femoral tactile spine by both scanning and transmission electron microscopy, as well as by light microscopy. The spine is shown to be innervated by a single sensory bipolar neuron with its soma located in the base of the spine. A canal through the wall of the spine leads to the outside and emerges just above the junction between the base of the spine and its articulating socket membrane. The sensory dendrite of the neuron passes from the soma through this canal and forms a modified ciliary sensory ending with the typical dendritic sheath and dense tubular body that is characteristic of insect mechanosensory cuticular sensilla. The tubular body is embedded in a cuticular terminal plug which closes the exterior end of the canal but appears to be fastened to the spine by a very flexible ring of cuticle. This plug is connected to the socket membrane by a specialized socket attachment which presumably serves to move the plug relative to the wall of the spine during movement of the spine within the socket. The morphology of this sensillum is discussed in terms of the possible ways in which it is stimulated by movements of the spine and also in light of the dynamic behaviour of the receptor which is now very well described.Supported by the Canadian Medical Research Council. The authors gratefully acknowledge the expert technical assistance of Sita Prasad and Rodney Gramlich