宽翅曲背蝗受精囊形态与超微结构观察

[目的]明确宽翅曲背蝗Pararcyptera microptera meridionalis雌虫受精囊的形态、组织结构与超微结构,为更好地认识昆虫受精囊的功能提供依据.[方法]本研究以宽翅曲背蝗已交配雌成虫为实验材料,利用光学显微镜和透射电子显微镜观察其受精囊的形态、组织结构和超微结构.[结果]宽翅曲背蝗受精囊由一个端囊和一条长的受精囊管组成,端囊用于储存精子.端囊和受精囊管有相似的组织学结构,由外到内依次为肌肉层、基膜、上皮层及表皮内膜.上皮层含上皮细胞、腺细胞和导管细胞3种细胞类型.腺细胞具有一个被有微绒毛的细胞外腔.腺细胞的分泌物经细胞外腔通过分泌导管进入到受精囊腔.分泌导管由导管细胞形成.[结论]在宽翅曲背蝗受精囊的端囊和受精囊管上,内膜和腺细胞的细胞外腔结构均存在差异,由此推测,端囊和受精囊管的功能存在一定差异.上皮细胞的超微结构特点显示上皮细胞具有支持、分泌和吸收的功能.     

Histology and fine structure of spermatozoa and egg passage in the female tract of Dermacentro andersoni stiles (acari-Ixodidae)

The final phase of spermiogenesis in the hard tick Dermacentor andersoni occurs in the seminal receptacle of engorged females. This phase is characterized mainly by rupture of the outer sheath of advanced spermatids at their pointed tips, and subsequent elongation as the internal column of these cells evaginates. The sheath invaginates at the opposite end to form the narrow posterior half of the sperm cell. Rupture of the endospermatophoric wall releases the large mass of contained spermatozoa, which begin migration up one or both oviducts. During the migration to the ovarian lumen, spermatozoa exhibit a propensity for active penetration of epithelial cells lining the oviducts. This phenomenon is also observed with spermatozoa in the ovarian lumen. Penetration of epithelial cells by spermatozoa is interpreted to be a response by the latter in seeking eggs for penetration and fertilization.     

The seminal receptacle and sperm storage in Cochlostoma montanum (Issel) (Gastropoda: Prosobranchia)

Females of Cochlostoma montanum (Prosobranchia, Cochlostomatidae) have a seminal receptacle which is not a separate diverticulum of the oviduct. The seminal receptacle derives from a differentiated portion of the renal oviduct which has an inner wall composed of only one layer of cells. These cells are of two different types, both actively involved in secretory activity. One type is represented by goblet cells filled with large vesicles containing an electron-dense, homogeneous, and partially paracrystalline material. This material is expelled into the lumen through macro-apocrine or holocrine types of secretion. The other type is represented by ciliated cells rich in small vesicles containing granular material. Probably neither kind of secretion has a nutritive function; rather they serve as matrix for spermatozoa that immobilize them and prevent their expulsion from the receptacular portion of the oviduct. Spermatozoa are inserted in invaginations of the apex of both these epithelial cells. The sperm plasma membrane covering the acrosome forms long digitations which expand toward the corresponding invaginations of the receptaculum cells. This type of adhesion is a novelty for Mollusca and resembles that in seminal receptacles of some Annelida.     

Ultrastructure of the vasa deferentia of the mediterranean flour moth

Each vas deferens of the Mediterranean flour moth, Anagasta kuehniella (Zeller), consists of a short swollen portion immediately below the testis, another swollen portion that forms a seminal vesicle, and an elongate lower portion that empties into one arm of the ductus ejaculatoris duplex. Three types of epithelial cells occur sequentially. Phagocytic cells that engulf debris from the testis form the anterior two-thirds of the first swollen portion. Tall secretory cells form the distal third of the first swollen region and extend to the seminal vesicles. The secretory cells surround a slit-like lumen and appear to function as a valve between the two swollen regions. Many membrane-enclosed secretory granules are stored at the apical ends of the cells and are released into the lumen together with small amounts of the surrounding cytoplasm. The granules remain intact while they are in the male tract. A second type of secretory cell forms the walls of the seminal vesicles and the lower vasa deferentia. These cells produce secretory granules whose contents become dispersed through the semen. PTA-chromic acid staining indicates that the seminal plasma has a high glycoprotein content. A thin muscle layer is basal to the epithelial cells. Both apyrene and eupyrene sperm undergo some development in the vasa deferentia. The epithelial cells, muscle, and stored sperm all undergo extensive changes with age.     

Ultrastructural aspects of the oesophageal and reproductive systems of the equine parasite Strongylus vulgaris

The ultrastructure of the dorsal oesophageal gland ampulla and its relationship with the oesophagus, oesophageal ultrastructure, and control mechanisms in oesophageal activity were studied. Terminal ducts of the sub-ventral glands open through the oesophageal crown at the base of the buccal cavity. The terminal duct of the dorsal oesophageal gland running through the dorsal gutter opens to the exterior at the rim 'groove' of the buccal capsule. The posterior oesophageal region is clavate and the cuticle of the lumen folds to form outlet valves, 'valvulae'. An inconspicuous oesophago-intestinal valve (three lobes) connects oesophagus and intestine and is visualized in the open and shut position. In the female reproductive tract, with the exception of the uterus, the cells lie on a thick, irregular (convoluted) basal lamina. The apical plasma membrane of the uterus, and seminal receptacle, extend into the lumen by microvilli-like projections with which spermatozoa make intimate contact. The lumen of the uterus is filled with oocytes, fertilized and unfertilized. Testicular cells have two parts linked by a rachis. Spermatocytes are elongated with a large nucleus, distinct nuclear membrane, and many granules. The apical membrane of the rachis forms long microvilli-like projections with balloon-like tips. The amoeboid spermatozoa contain membrane specializations, a nucleus devoid of a membrane, and are enclosed by a pseudopodial-like extension.     

Female reproductive morphology of coral‐inhabiting gall crabs (Crustacea: Decapoda: Brachyura: Cryptochiridae)

Gall crabs are obligate associates of stony corals in which they induce skeletal modifications. In some cryptochirid species, females live in open depressions accessible to males; while in others, females are rather isolated in semiclosed galls, which necessitates elaborate sperm storage capabilities by the female. In this study we investigate the female gross morphology and reproductive systems of Fungicola syzygia lodged in semiclosed flattened pits, Opecarcinus cathyae with semiopen pits and Pseudocryptochirus viridis from shallow open depressions using line drawings and histological methods. The general morphology of the cryptochirids' reproductive systems is uniform and conforms to other thoracotreme brachyurans: paired muscular vaginae of the concave pattern lead from the sternal gonopores into paired seminal receptacles where sperm is stored. The seminal receptacle is internally lined by distinct types of epithelia: a cuticle underlined by a columnar epithelium ventrally, a monolayered secretory epithelium dorsally and a multilayered transfer tissue where the oviducts enter the seminal receptacle. In all studied specimens, the seminal receptacle contained free spermatozoa; however, in specimens of Pseudocryptochirus viridis it also contained spermatophores, indicating a recent insemination. In contrast to most other brachyurans ovaries of the investigated cryptochirids extend into the pleon. The specific degree of ovary extension differs between the studied species and is closely related to female body shape.     

Structural investigation of the female genitalia and sperm-storage sites in the terrestrial isopod Armadillidium vulgare (Crustacea, Isopoda)

The cuticular genitalia of the terrestrial isopod, Armadillidium vulgare, have two distinct states during the reproductive cycle of the females. The structural differences between the reproductive and non-reproductive states, and the structure of the sperm storage sites were investigated employing electron and light microscopy. In both states the genitalia consist of a distal segment that connects to the gonopore, and a cuticular tube-like structure lining the lumen of the oviduct in the middle region of the oviduct. Sheath-like projections, apparently consisting of cuticular material, extend laterally along two sides of the cuticular tube. In the proximal region of the oviduct cuticular structures are lacking. In the non-reproductive state the distal segment consists of endo-, exo- and epicuticle. The exocuticle is three layered with unusual spongy and dense layers at the distal side. On one side the endocuticle doubles in thickness to form a cuticular bulge that fills the lumen of the distal segment leaving just a narrow U-shaped space. The cuticular tube consists of endo- and epicuticle only. In the reproductive state the distal segment is funnel-shaped and forms branched cuticular folds that increase in complexity from distal to proximal. In the cuticular tube these folds tightly fill the lumen of the oviduct. At the confluence of the oviduct with the ovary spermatozoa are stored in a seminal receptacle.     

Spermatodesm reorganization in the spermatophore and in the spermatheca of the bushcricket Tylopsis liliifolia (Fabricius) (Orthoptera,Tettigoniidae)

Spermatozoa of Tettigoniidae are usually transferred to the female by means of a spermatophore which is also the site of feather-shaped spermatodesm formation. These spermatodesms are then transferred to a spermatheca, composed of a spermathecal duct and of a seminal receptacle, involved in storing spermatozoa. In order to extend the knowledge about sperm transfer and spermatodesms reorganization in the Tettigoniidae, a morpho-structural investigation was carried out on spermatophore and spermatheca of Tylopsis liliifolia and on the reorganization of the gametes from the spermatophore. Our results show that the spermatodesms undergo disorganization in the spermatophore; unlike other Tettigoniidae, however, feather-shaped spermatodesms are never found. The epithelium of the spermatheca consists of two cell types, the cuticle-forming and the gland cells, with secretory features. The gland cells, absent in the distal tract of the seminal receptacle, release their secretion in a “reservoir” where an efferent duct opens. In the distal tract of the spermathecal duct, adjacent epithelial cells show diversified ultrastructural characteristics whose probable role is discussed. A particular feature of T. liliifolia is the genesis of the feather-shaped spermatodesms in the seminal receptacle. This feature and the peculiar organization of the feather-shaped spermatodesm are a possible autapomorphy of T. liliifolia.     

Ultrastructure and function of the seminal vesicle of Bittacidae (Insecta: Mecoptera)

The fine structure of the seminal vesicle and reproductive accessory glands was investigated in Bittacidae of Mecoptera using light and transmission electron microscopy. The male reproductive system of Bittacidae mainly consists of a pair of testes, a pair of vasa deferentia, and an ejaculatory sac. The vas deferens is greatly expanded for its middle and medio-posterior parts to form a well-developed seminal vesicle. The seminal vesicle is composed of layers of developed muscles and a mono-layered epithelium surrounding the small central lumen. The epithelium is rich in rough endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria, and secretes vesicles and granules into the central lumen by merocrine mechanisms. A pair of elongate mesodermal accessory glands opens into the lateral side of the seminal vesicles. The accessory glands are similar to the seminal vesicle in structure, also consisting of layers of muscle fibres and a mono-layered elongated epithelium, the cells of which contain numerous cisterns of rough endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria, and a few Golgi complexes. The epithelial cells of accessory glands extrude secretions via apocrine and merocrine processes. The seminal vesicles mainly serve the function of secretion rather than temporarily storing spermatozoa. The sperm instead are temporarily stored in the epididymis, the greatly coiled distal portion of the vas deferens.     

Ultrastructure of the seminal vesicle of Phlebotomus perniciosus Newstead (Diptera, Psychodidae)

The seminal vesicles of Phlebotomus perniciosus were investigated by light microscopy, confocal scanning laser microscopy and by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. They have a complex structure, and three different morphological compartments called A, B and C are distinguished on the basis of their position and fine structure. Compartment A is continuous with the vasa deferentia and consists of a cylindrical wall limiting a lumen in which the spermatozoa are stored. Compartment B is hemispherical and surrounds compartment A like a muff. Compartment C constitutes an external coat surrounding A and B. The epithelial cells of each compartment are characterized by morphologically different secretory granules. The ultrastructural features of these cells are described and their role in sandfly reproductive biology is discussed.     

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.     

Ultrastructure of the oviduct of the lung fluke, Paragonimus ohirai (Trematoda: Troglotrematidae)

The oviduct of Paragonimus ohirai is lined by an epithelium composed of cells that rest on a prominent basal lamina and exhibit extensive basal infoldings. Apical surfaces of the epithelial cells are lamellated, and height and abundance of lamellae vary in different regions. Cilia are confined to two separate areas and are variable with respect to their axonemal pattern. There are five principal regions of the oviduct: infundibular (IR), distal ciliary (DCR), preseminal receptacle (PSR), proximal ciliary (PCR), and junctional (JR). The pattern of organization of cytoplasmic organelles such as mitochondria, Golgi complexes, and lysosomes is distinctive within each region. The remainder of the wall consists of circularly arranged myofiber bundles, together with a plexus of nerve fibers. The structure of the oviduct in relation to passage of oocytes, movement of spermatozoa, and fertilization is discussed.     

Ultrastructure of the Spermathecae of Parafabricia ventricingulata and Three Species of Oriopsis (Polychaeta: Sabellidae)

Parafabricia ventricingulata females have a pair of spermathecae located in the radiolar crown anterio-dorsal to the buccal opening. The spermathecae have three regions; an entrance, 7 μm across, leading into a ciliated ‘atrium’ that is approximately 50 μm long; a connecting piece, 2–5 μm across and 25 μm long, leading from the ‘atrium’ to the sperm receptacle. The sperm receptacle is heavily pigmented and spherical. The sperm lie in a large mass in the receptacle with no particular orientation. Oriopsis bicoloris females have a pair of unpigmented spermathecae in the collar behind the radiolar crown. Each spermatheca is a simple blind duct 100 μm long, with a lumen 8 μm in diameter. Between 30 and 40 sperm lie in the lumen of each spermatheca. Oriopsis brevicollaris females have a pair of spermathecae located in the radiolar crown above the buccal opening. From the opening, 10 μm across, a blind duct runs for 90 μm. Sperm are stored in the distal region of the duct. Sperm lie along the margins of the duct in close contact with microvilli. Up to 10 sperm were found in each spermatheca. Oriopsis mobilis females have a pair of spermathecae located in the radiolar crown above the buccal opening. The opening, 3 μm across, leads into a blind duct that runs for 30 μm. Sperm are stored in the distal region of the spermathecae where they are embedded in spermathecal cells. Between 10 and 20 sperm were found in each spermatheca. Oriopsis dentata was found not to have spermathecae. The homologies of the spermathecae found within the Sabellinae and Fabriciinae (Sabellidae) and the Spirorbinae (Serpulidae) are discussed, but cannot be resolved on present evidence.     

Ultrastructure of the seminal receptacle and the dimorphic sperm in the commensal bivalve Mysella bidentata (Veneroida; Galeommatoidea; Montacutidae)

Jespersen, Å. and Lützen, J. 2001 . Ultrastructure of the seminal receptacle and the dimorphic sperm in the commensal bivalve Mysella bidentata (Veneroida: Galeommatoidea: Montacutidae). — Acta Zoologica (Stockholm) 82 : 107–115
The seminal receptacle and the euspermatozoa and paraspermatozoa of Mysella bidentata were examined at an ultrastructural level and the results were compared with earlier findings of the same and other species of the Montacutidae. The euspermatozoon has a slender 13 µm long nucleus and a 1.1 µm long bullet-shaped acrosome. The acrosome of the paraspermatozoon is almost identical in ultrastructure to that of the euspermatozoa but is longer (1.9 µm) and more slender and is bent at an angle to the diminutive nucleus (1.1 µm long). The unpaired seminal receptacle is lined by a heavily ciliated epithelium and a non-ciliated epithelium with short and broad microvilli. Euspermatozoa only are stored in the receptacle. They are densely packed and orientated with their heads towards the non-ciliated epithelium. In this position they develop numerous extremely fine microvilli from the acrosome which apparently serve to attach them to the epithelial microvillar surface. Stored sperm may presumably remain functional for at least six months. A possible function of paraspermatozoa could be to clump sperm into sperm bags to keep them in suspension.     

A hypothesis about the origin of sperm storage in the Eubrachyura, the effects of seminal receptacle structure on mating strategies and the evolution of crab diversity: How did a race to be first become a race to be last?

The origins and evolution of sperm storage in Brachyura are enigmatic: sperm is either stored in seminal receptacles, accessible via the vulvae on the sixth thoracic sternite, or in spermathecae at the border between the seventh and eighth sternites. Crabs with spermathecae are collectively referred to as “podotremes” while crabs with seminal receptacles belong to the Eubrachyura. The position of gonopores is the primary basis for subdividing the Eurachyura into the Heterotremata (female vulvae + males with coxal gonopores) and Thoracotremata (female vulvae + males with sternal gonopores). We present a hypothesis about the evolution of seminal receptacles in eubrachyuran female crabs and argue that the sternal gonopore has been internalized into chitin-lined seminal receptacles and the vulva is in fact a secondary aperture. The loss of some or all of the ancestral chitinous seminal receptacle lining was linked to ventral migration of the oviduct connection. Male and female strategies are to maximize gamete fertilization. The most important variable for females is sperm supply, enhanced by long-term storage made possible by the seminal receptacle. To maximize their fertilization rates males must adapt to the structure of the seminal receptacle to ensure that their sperm are close to the oviduct entrance. The major evolutionary impetus for female mating strategies was derived from the consequences of better sperm conservation and the structure of the seminal receptacle. The advantages were all to the females because their promiscuity and sperm storage allowed them to produce more genetically variable offspring, thereby enhancing variation upon which natural selection could act. We extend our arguments to Brachyura as a whole and offer a unifying explanation of the evolution of seminal receptacles, comparing them with the spermathecae found in “Podotremata”: they were independent solutions to the same problem: maintaining sperm supply during evolutionary carcinization.Explanation of eubrachyuran mating strategies requires analysis of the mating–moulting link, indeterminate vs. determinate growth format and seminal receptacle structure. Two alternatives for each of these characters means that there are eight possible outcomes. Six of these outcomes have been realized, which we term Portunoid, Majoid, Eriphoid, Xanthoid, Cancroid, and Grapsoid–Ocypodoid strategies, respectively. Mapping these characters on to a workable phylogeny (wherein some changes to the seminal receptacle + moulting–mating links are assumed to have occurred more than once) produces the following relationships: Portunoids + Majoids are a sister group to the rest of the Eubrachyura, which fall into two sister groups, Eriphoids + Xanthoids and Cancroids + Grapsoid–Ocypodoids and the “Podotremata” is sister group to all the Eubrachyura. We conclude that what began as a race to be the first to mate was turned on its head to become a race to be last, by the evolutionary changes to the seminal receptacle. Eubrachyuran females were advantaged by greater reproductive autonomy, more opportunity to mate with other males, resulting in more genetically variable progeny and leading to the evolution of much greater taxonomic diversity compared to “podotremes”.     

The spermatheca of Melanoplus sanguinipes (Fabr.). I. Morphology,histology, and histochemistry

The spermatheca of Melanoplus sanguinipes consists of a preapical and an apical diverticulum, and a long, thin ductus seminalis. Histologically, the three components are identical. The wall of the spermatheca includes a basement membrane, secretory and epithelial cells, and a cuticular intima. Small, discrete bundles of muscle occur outside the basement membrane. In each secretory cell is a large central cavity which connects with a cuticular channel (efferent ductule) running through the epithelial cell to the spermathecal lumen. During sexual maturation, light- and dark-staining vesicles accumulate in the secretory cells and discharge their contents into the central cavity. Simultaneously, glycogen accumulates in the epithelial cells. Allatectomy of newly emerged females renders the secretory cells unable to produce material, an effect which can be reversed by topical application of synthetic juvenile hormone. The secretion contains protein and acidic mucopolysaccharide. After insemination the quantities of secretion in the lumen and of glycogen in the epithelial cells diminish in the preapical diverticulum where almost all sperm are stored. As the number of sperm declines, the secretion and glycogen are replenished.     

Morphology and function of the female reproductive system of Ebalia tumefacta (Decapoda,Brachyura, Leucosiidae)

In this article, the morphology and function of the female reproductive organs of Ebalia tumefacta were investigated using histological methods. While the vagina conforms to the concave type, the study reveals a new orientation of seminal receptacle compartments. The seminal receptacle consists of two chambers, which are oriented in anterior‐posterior direction. This is in contrast to the dorso‐ventral orientation of seminal receptacle chambers in all other known brachyuran crabs. The anterior chamber is lined by cuticle, whereas the posterior chamber is covered with a holocrine glandular epithelium. The oviduct connection is located ventrally, close to the opening of the vagina. The oviduct orifice is characterized by a transition of the epithelium lining of the oviduct to the seminal receptacle holocrine glandular epithelium. Special features are muscle fibers, which are attached to the oviduct orifice and to the sternal cuticle as well. The muscle fibers can be found exactly at that point where the oviduct opens into the seminal receptacle and are secondly attached to the sternum beneath. This musculature is newly described for Eubrachyuran crabs. This musculature can be interpreted as an important feature in the fertilization and egg‐laying process in relation to supporting and controling the inflow of eggs into the seminal receptacle lumen. These new discoveries were compared to the known pattern of an Eubrachyuran seminal receptacle. J. Morphol. 276:517–525, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Ultrastructure of sperm storage and male genital ducts in a male holocephalan, the elephant fish, Callorhynchus milii.

In chondrichthyes, the process of spermatogenesis produces a spermatocyst composed of Sertoli cells and their cohort of associated spermatozoa linearly arrayed and embedded in the apical end of the Sertoli cell. The extratesticular ducts consist of paired epididymis, ductus deferens, isthmus, and seminal vesicles. In transit through the ducts, spermatozoa undergo modification by secretions of the extratesticular ducts and associated glands, i.e., Leydig gland. In mature animals, the anterior portion of the mesonephros is specialized as the Leydig gland that connects to both the epididymis and ductus deferens and elaborates seminal fluid and matrix that contribute to the spermatophore or spermatozeugmata, depending on the species. Leydig gland epithelium is simple columnar with secretory and ciliated cells. Secretory cells have periodic acid-Schiff positive (PAS+) apical secretory granules. In the holocephalan elephant fish, Callorhynchus milii, sperm and Sertoli cell fragments enter the first major extratesticular duct, the epididymis. In the epididymis, spermatozoa are initially present as individual sperm but soon begin to laterally associate so that they are aligned head-to-head. The epididymis is a highly convoluted tubule with a small bore lumen and an epithelium consisting of scant ciliated and relatively more secretory cells. Secretory activity of both the Leydig gland and epididymis contribute to the nascent spermatophores, which begin as gel-like aggregations of secretory product in which sperm are embedded. Fully formed spermatophores occur in the ductus. The simple columnar epithelium has both ciliated and secretory cells. The spermatophore is regionalized into a PAS+ and Alcian-blue-positive (AB+) cortex and a distinctively PAS+, and less AB+ medulla. Laterally aligned sperm occupy the medulla and are surrounded by a clear zone separate from the spermatophore matrix. Grossly, the seminal vesicles are characterized by spiral partitions of the epithelium that project into the lumen, much like a spiral staircase. Each partition is staggered with respect to adjacent partitions while the aperture is eccentric. The generally nonsecretory epithelium of the seminal vesicle is simple columnar with both microvillar and ciliated cells.     

Ultrastructure of the spermatheca and its associated gland in the ant Crematogaster opuntiae (Hymenoptera,Formicidae)

Summary Sperm storage by females has reached an extreme degree of development in ants. Ant queens, which are unusually long-lived insects, typically store and maintain an unreplenished supply of viable sperm for ten or more years. The spermatheca of Crematogaster opuntiae includes a receptacle and a discrete pair of accessory, or spermathecal, glands, structures commonly found in sperm storage organs of insects. The bean-shaped receptacle consists of a layer of simple epithelium externally and a cuticular layer internally. In the hilar region, the epithelium is highly columnar and exhibits ultrastructural features characteristic of transport epithelia, such as infolded basal membranes, abundant polymorphic mitochondria, and apical microvilli. The spermathecal glands contain cells that have long, dense microvilli that project into a central lumen, abundant mitochondria, and large fields of glycogen. The valve and pump region of the spermatheca provide a mechanism to conserve sperm by controlling the rate of sperm release. The columnar epithelium may function as excretory tissue that serves to maintain an environment in which sperm can remain viable for many years.     

Quercetin abrogates taxol-mediated signaling by inhibiting multiple kinases

The Drosophila male accessory glands (paragonias) are two male-specific organs that produce seminal fluid, a secretion involved in sperm storage and subsequent sperm utilization by the female. This paper reports the first X-linked locus, male-female-sterile in region 6E [mfs(1)6E], required for the production of normal seminal fluid. Mutant males produce motile spermatozoa, which are transferred to females during mating, but which are not stored. Sterility of these males is mainly due to severe affected transfer of seminal fluid to females during mating. In addition, the mutant seminal fluid seems defective in triggering the behavioral (reduced receptivity to further mating) and physiological (increased egg-laying) changes normally observed in mated females. Mutant male accessory glands show notable abnormalities, connected with glandular secretion as well as qualitative and quantitative differences in their protein content.