Ultrastructure of the salivary glands of Rhodnius domesticus Neiva & Pinto, 1923 (Hemiptera: Reduviidae)

Abstract

The fine structure of the salivary glands of the triatomine bug Rhodnius domesticus was investigated. Stereomicroscopy and scanning electron microscopy showed that each salivary gland pair contains two close and independent units: the larger is reddish and elongated (principal gland), while the smaller is round and translucent (accessory gland). The accessory gland opens at the base of the main excretion duct, which arises at the medial portion of the principal gland. An accessory duct emerges at the base of the main excretion duct, above the accessory gland opening, and runs towards the digestive tract. Transmission electron microscopy showed that both gland units are formed by a single layer of epithelial gland cells, surrounded by a thick basal lamina containing tracheolae and muscle cell fibers. Adjacent gland cells are interconnected by interdigitations of their lateral plasma membranes and by septate junctions. Microvilli are present at the apical domain of the gland cell plasma membrane, which allow faster diffusion of the saliva towards the gland lumen. Several mitochondria, abundant endoplasmic reticulum profiles and usually one elongated nucleus are observed in the gland cells. According to standard nomenclatures, the salivary gland cells can be classified as type I cells, secreting the saliva into a large gland lumen.