| Title: | The fine structural organization of sternal glands of pseudergates and workers in termites (Isoptera): a comparative survey |
| Author(s): | Quennedey A; Sillam-Dusses D; Robert A; Bordereau C; |
| Address: | "UMR 5548, Developpement et Communication Chimique chez les Insectes, Universite de Bourgogne, 6 boulevard Gabriel, 21000 Dijon, France" |
| DOI: | 10.1016/j.asd.2007.10.003 |
| ISSN/ISBN: | 1873-5495 (Electronic) 1467-8039 (Linking) |
| Abstract: | "Thirty-nine species belonging to different families of termites are studied to give a comprehensive view of the evolution of the sternal glands. Several modifications occurring at cuticular and cytological levels are described in neuter castes. The outer epicuticle is always pierced by epicuticular pores. In advanced termites the epicuticular filaments greatly increase in number and length creating a thick layer. The pore canals gradually enlarge while the cuticle changes into a lattice structure lining an extracellular space in which the secretion is stored. Two classes of cells are present in basal termites (Mastotermitidae, Hodotermitidae, Termopsidae and Kalotermitidae) but their glandular structures greatly differ between families. A more complex organization with three classes of cells is found in the Serritermitidae and Rhinotermitidae. A regressive evolution occurs in the Termitidae where only two classes of cells are present. A dual nervous control (campaniform sensilla and neurosecretory fibers) is found in lower termites, except for the Hodotermitidae which have mechanosensory bristles. In the other families, neurosecretory fibers are lacking. A comparison with phylogenetic data is given. A more versatile role of sternal glands in neuter castes is hypothesized" |
| Keywords: | "Anatomy, Comparative/methods Animals Exocrine Glands/ultrastructure Isoptera/classification/physiology/*ultrastructure Microscopy, Electron, Scanning/veterinary Microscopy, Electron, Transmission/veterinary Pheromones/physiology Sense Organs/physiology Sp;" |
| Notes: | "MedlineQuennedey, Andre Sillam-Dusses, David Robert, Alain Bordereau, Christian eng Comparative Study England 2008/01/22 Arthropod Struct Dev. 2008 May; 37(3):168-85. doi: 10.1016/j.asd.2007.10.003. Epub 2007 Nov 5" |
