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Studies on the fine structure of prothoracic gland cells of Centra vinula (Lepidoptera) *
Author(s) -
HintzePodufal Ch.
Publication year - 1971
Publication title -
journal of zoology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.915
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1469-7998
pISSN - 0952-8369
DOI - 10.1111/j.1469-7998.1971.tb01326.x
Subject(s) - endoplasmic reticulum , prothoracic gland , biology , microbiology and biotechnology , secretion , connective tissue , hormone , biochemistry , ecdysone , genetics
This electron microscopic study of the active prothoracic glands of the larvae of Cerura vinula suggests a structural basis for the mode of secretion of the hormone of this gland. In contrast to Blattarian prothoracic glands and steroid‐producing vertebrate cells the active gland is not only dominated by smooth‐surfaced endoplasmic reticulum but there are also large areas of rough surfaced endoplasmic reticulum. The vesicles of this membrane system progressively enlarge and empty on to the connective tissue sheath which surrounds the cells and penetrates into deep and ramified infoldings of the cell membrane. The ultra‐structural localization of the hormone cannot be stated with certainty, but one may conclude that the smooth endoplasmic reticulum is intimately associated with the biosynthesis of the hormone and of its extrusion into the haemocoel. The granular type of endoplasmic reticulum together with the ribosomes may be concerned with the production of enzymes