Changes in the neurosecretory cells, corpus cardiacum and corpus allatum during pregnancy in Glossina austeni Newst. (Diptera, Glossinidae)

Abstract

AbstractThe neurosecretory cells of the pars intercerebralis, the corpus cardiacum and the corpus allatum were examined in histological sections of Glossina austeni Newst. females fixed at daily intervals over the first two cycles of pregnancy. Two groups of neurosecretory cells corresponding to the lateral and median cells of other insects were recognised. The median neurosecretory cells were found to undergo cyclic changes of net synthesis and net release, which were correlated with ovulation and larviposition. The single ellipsoid corpus allatum undergoes cyclic changes in volume and histological appearance which are correlated with changes in the volume of the milk gland.