The Spherocrystals in the Tubule Epithelial Cells and Ultrastructure of the Malpighian Tubules of Adult Isophya nervosa (Orthoptera, Tettigoniidae)

Abstract

Highlights• The ultrastructure of the Malpighian tubules (MTs) of Isophya nervosa was examined.• Different shapes of spherocrystals were observed in the MTs cells.• SEM-EDX analysis of the spherocrystals was conducted.• Differences and similarities of the MTs in Isophya nervosa with other species were revealed.

Histomorphology of the Malpighian Tubules and the Chemical Composition of the Spherocrystals in the Tubule Epithelial Cells of AdultLeptophyes albovittata(Kollar, 1833) (Orthoptera, Tettigoniidae)

“…The MTs of L. albovittata lack morphologically specialized segments and are similar to those of other Orthopterans (Jarial, 1990; Biagio et al, 2009; Amutkan Mutlu & Suludere, 2020) and other insects, such as Calliphora erythrocephala (Diptera: Calliphoridae) (Berridge & Oschman, 1969) and Bombus morio (Hymenoptera: Bombini) (Gonçalves et al, 2014). The tubule of L. albovittata consists of a monolayered epithelium which has two different cell types as the cells with electron-dense cytoplasm and the cell with electron-lucent cytoplasm.…”

“…There are various structures in all multicellular organisms that transport and remove nitrogenous organic wastes from the body (Nocelli et al, 2016; Amutkan Mutlu & Suludere, 2020). The structures responsible for the removal of these nitrogenous organic wastes and toxic substances in insects are the Malpighian tubules (MTs).…”

“…The structures responsible for the removal of these nitrogenous organic wastes and toxic substances in insects are the Malpighian tubules (MTs). The MTs are responsible not only for waste removal but also for osmoregulation, regulation of the ionic composition of the hemolymph, detoxification and the body's defense system, and mineral storage (Delakorda et al, 2009; Pal & Kumar, 2013; Nocelli et al, 2016; Amutkan Mutlu & Suludere, 2020).…”

“…In this structure, the MTs are directly connected to the rectum. This system gives great water retention ability to insects that feed on very dry foods (Martini et al, 2007; Gullan & Cranston, 2012; Amutkan Mutlu & Suludere, 2020).…”

“…Spherocrystals appear as electron-dense concentric lamellae of different diameters in the cytoplasm. The main role of the spherocrystals in the MTs is storing minerals, such as Na, K, calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), carbon (C), silicium (Si), sulphur (S), nickel (Ni), and copper (Cu) (Delakorda et al, 2009; Nocelli et al, 2016; Amutkan Mutlu & Suludere, 2020). Spherocrystals have many other functions in metabolism such as detoxification.…”