| Full text | |
| Author(s): |
Total Authors: 3
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| Affiliation: | [1] Sao Paulo State Univ, UNESP, Inst Biosci, Dept Biol, Lab Termites, Campus Rio Claro, 24A Ave 1515, BR-13506900 Rio Claro, SP - Brazil
[2] Fed Univ ABC UFABC, Ctr Nat & Human Sci, Bldg Delta, Room 241, 03 Arcturus St, BR-09606070 Sao Bernardo Do Campo, SP - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 2
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| Document type: | Journal article |
| Source: | INSECTS; v. 10, n. 12 DEC 2019. |
| Web of Science Citations: | 0 |
| Abstract | |
Coptotermes gestroi is a subterranean termite with colonies generally headed by a pair of primary reproductives, although neotenics may occur. In this study, the male reproductive system was compared during different life stages of nymphs, alates, neotenic reproductives, and kings of C. gestroi, focusing on the modifications of this system along the maturation of these individuals. The structure of the male reproductive system follows the pattern described for insects, although C. gestroi males do not exhibit conspicuous penises and differentiated accessory glands. In kings, each testis consisted of about seven lobes, significantly increased in size as compared to younger males. The spermatogenesis begins in third-instar nymphs, which already presented spermatozoa in the testes. The seminal vesicles are individualized in C. gestroi and have a secretory distal portion and a proximal portion with a role in spermatozoa storage. The secretion of the seminal vesicles is strongly periodic acid Schiff (PAS)-positive, whereas the xylidine Ponceau test revealed proteins that increase in quantity while the males become older. This is the first record of glycoproteins in the lumen of seminal vesicles in termites. Further studies will clarify how they are produced and interact in the physiology and nutrition of the non-flagellate spermatozoa of C. gestroi. (AU) | |
| FAPESP's process: | 11/10590-4 - FUNCTIONAL MORPHOLOGY AND DYNAMICS OF MALE GENITAL TRACT IN REPRODUCTIVES WITH EMPHASIS ON TERMITE SEMINAL VESICLES |
| Grantee: | Lara Teixeira Laranjo |
| Support Opportunities: | Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate |