Ricerche istochimiche e al micro scopio elettronico sui tubi malpighiani di Dacus oleae Gmel.: I. La larva

Regional specialization in the Malpighian tubules of the New Zealand glow-worm Arachnocampa luminosa (Diptera: mycetophilidae). The structure and function of type I and II cells

The Malpighian tubules of the glow-worm Arachnocampa luminosa are divided into four morphologically distinct regions (Parts 1--4) each comprised of a different cell type (Types I--IV). The ultrastructure of Type II cells is indicative of a transport function. The basal cell surface is highly invaginated and at the apical surface the lumen is lined with microvilli about 80% of which contain mitochondria. Spherites contained in these cells are formed from small vesicles produced by the Golgi apparatus. They have a central uric acid core enclosed by laminations of phosphates of calcium and magnesium. Cells of Part 2 of the tubule secrete a fluid high in potassium (173 mM) and low in sodium (18 mM). The cell is 30 mV negative and the lumen 44 mV positive to the bathing solution. This is consistent with the proposal of an apical cation pump. The secretion produced by Part 2 of the tubules is modified by the Type I cells by the reabsorption of potassium (162 mM) and the addition of sodium (24 mM) to the primary excretory fluid. Type I cells are 20 mV negative and the lumen 22 mV positive with respect to the bathing medium. From ultrastructural observations, Type I cells exhibit features characteristic of transporting cells thought to have an absorptive function. The basal and apical cell surfaces are extensively folded, and mitochondria are found in bands above the basal infoldings and below the microvilli. Mitochondria do not penetrate the microvilli. On comparative grounds, the fine structure of Type I cells suggest that they reabsorb ions from the tubule lumen. Energy for these processes may come from the breakdown of lipids by microperoxisomes contained within these cells. Alternatively, the fluid produced by Part 2 of the tubule may be modified passively by diffusional processes across Type I cells.

Morphology and function of Malpighian tubules and associated structures in the cockroach, Periplaneta americana

This paper describes the different regions of the Malpighian tubules and the associated structures (ampulla, midgut, ileum) in the cockroach, Periplaneta americana. There are about 150 tubules in each insect. Each tubule consists of at least three parts. The short distal region is thinner than the other parts and is highly contractile. The middle region comprises most of the tubule length and is composed of primary and stellate cells. Primary cells contain numerous refractile mineral concretions, while stellate cells have smaller nuclei, fewer organelles, simpler brush border, and numerous multivesicular bodies. Symbiont protozoa are sometimes present within the lumen of the middle region near where it opens into the proximal region of the tubule. The latter is a short region that drains the tubular fluid into one of the six ampullae. These are contractile diverticula of the intestine located at the midgut-hindgut junction. The ampulla is highly contractile, and consists of a layer of epithelial cells surrounding a cavity that opens into the gut via a narrow slit lined by cells of unusual morphology. The proximal region of the tubule and the ampulla resemble the midgut in that they have similar micromal origin and reabsorptive function for the proximal region of the tubule and for the ampulla. A number of inclusions found within the tubule cells are described, including peroxisomes and modified mitochondria. Current theories of fluid transport are evaluated with regard to physiological and morphological characteristics of Malpighian tubules. The possible role of long narrow channels such as those between microvilli and within basal folds is considered, as is the mechanism by which these structures are formed and maintained. Also discussed is the role of peroxisomes and symbionts in the excretory process.