Cytoskeleton of larval and adult salivary glands of the dipteran ceratitis capitata. Implication of microfilaments and microtubules in saliva discharge

Abstract

The distribution of microfilaments and microtubules were analyzed in larval and adult salivary glands of the dipteran Ceratitis capitata. An extensive muscle fibre network was seen to surround the larval salivary glands, but was absent in the adult glands. Microfilaments and microtubules were localized in different cytoplasmic domains in the adult salivary gland epithelium: microfilaments were found in the apical region of the cells, while microtubules were concentrated in the basal region of cells forming the proximal part of the epithelium and in the apical region of the distal part. Transmission electron microscope observations showed that the distribution of microtubules and microfilaments is correlated with saliva production. The implications of these cytoskeletal elements in discharging salivary gland content is also discussed.

Key Words:

• Ceratitis Capitata
• Salivary Glands
• Cytoskeleton