Structure of the Malpighian tubule cells and annual changes in the structure and chemical composition of their spherites in the cave cricket Troglophilus neglectus Krauss, 1878 (Rhaphidophoridae, Saltatoria)

Saška Lipovšek Delakorda (Author), Ilse Letofsky-Papst (Author), Tone Novak (Author), Ferdinand Hofer (Author), Maria Anna Pabst (Author)

Abstract

Periodical changes in the structure of spherites in the Malpighian tubule cells of the cave cricket Troglophilus neglectus were studied to elucidate their role during the cricket's life cycle in natural circumstances. Special interest was given to the dormant overwintering period when we hypothesized that the primary role of spherites is to supply minerals for basic vital processes. The investigation was carried out by light and transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, electron energy-loss spectroscopy and energy-filtering TEM. Spherites are present only in the middle Malpighian tubule segment, consisting of Type 1 cells, characterized, among other features, by a round, apically placed nucleus and numerous spherites, and a few Type 2 cells with an elongated nucleus in the centre and sparse spherites. At the beginning of dormancy in November juveniles, minerals are accumulated in spherites and then decline until March.In one-year-old May larvae, spherites are commonly rich in minerals, and from July onwards they are progressively exploited in the adults. Spherite destruction starts with apoptosis in senile October individuals. The findings suggest that the mineral supply of spherites in Malpighian tubules is crucial to supporting vital processes throughout the life cycle of T. neglectus.

Keywords

biologija;zoologija;celice;sferiti;insekti;jamska kobilica;analiza;biology;zoology;cells;spherites;insects;Troglophilus neglectus;analysis;

Data

Language:	English
Year of publishing:	2009
Typology:	1.01 - Original Scientific Article
Organization:	UM FNM - Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
UDC:	595.7
COBISS:	16881416
ISSN:	1467-8039
Views:	1580
Downloads:	81
Average score:	0 (0 votes)
Metadata:

Other data

Secondary language:	English
Secondary keywords:	biologija;zoologija;celice;sferiti;insekti;jamska kobilica;analiza;
URN:	URN:SI:UM:
Pages:	str. 315-327
Volume:	ǂVol. ǂ38
Issue:	ǂno. ǂ4
Chronology:	2009
DOI:	10.1016/j.asd.2009.02.001
ID:	8723956