Histochemical localization of Mg2+-activated ATPases on microtubule bundles in epidermal cells of Carausius morosus: Possible significance to pigment migration

We have demonstrated the presence of Mg²⁺-stimulated ATPases on microtubule bundles in the epidermal cells at the light microscope level, using specific histochemical techniques. This method provides an alternative method to immunohistochemistry for identifying microtubule bundles in the epidermal cells of Carausius morosus using the light microscope. The close association between ommochrome granules and the microtubule bundles support the hypothesis, that these ATPases play an important role in force generation, required to move ommochrome granules during physiological colour change.