An electron microscopical study of the salivary glands of the tettigoniid, Homorochoryphus nitidulus

The fine structure of the salivary glands of the tettigoniid, Homorocoryphus nitidulus vicinus, has been studied by electron microscopy. Three main types of cell are present; the parietal cells, the zymogenic cells and the extracellular duct cells. Of these, the zymogenic cells are almost certainly the major secretory cells of the gland whereas the other two cell types exhibit features indicative of transporting epithelia, suggesting that they may be responsible for controlling the ion and water content of the saliva. This rôle in ion and water transport is further supported by the light histochemical demonstration of a ouabain-sensitive sodium-dependent ATPase in both the parietal cells and the cells of the extracellular ducts.