Journal of Morphological Sciences
http://www.jms.periodikos.com.br/article/587cb45b7f8c9d0d058b461c
Journal of Morphological Sciences
Original Article

ULTRASTRUCTURAL, HISTOLOGICAL AND HISTOCHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE EPITHELIAL WALL OF THE SEMINAL VESICLE OF MATURE Scaptotrigona xanthotricha MOURE MALES (HYMENOPTERA, APIDAE, MELIPONINI)

Vinícius Albano Araújo; Uyrá Zama; Clóvis Andrade Neves; Heidi Dolder; José Lino-Neto

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Abstract

The seminal vesicles of mature Scaptotrigona xanthotricha males were investigated using light microscopy, histochemistry and transmission electron microscopy. The globular seminal vesicles were ~450 μm in diameter and consisted of a sperm-filled lumen and a single layer of epithelium surrounded externally by a muscular sheath. The mitochondria-rich epithelial cells had many inclusions in the basal region. These inclusions were relatively large and contained membranous structures similar to myelin figures. The epithelial cells of the seminal vesicle showed none of the features characteristically associated with a secretory function, which suggested that the material in which the spermatozoa were immersed in the vesicle lumen was produced elsewhere along the ducts and/or during sexual maturation of the males. Spermatozoa were occasionally seen inside the inclusions, which suggested a possible spermiophagic activity for this epithelium.

Keywords

Morphology, myelin figures, reproductive system, stingless bees
587cb45b7f8c9d0d058b461c jms Articles
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J. Morphol. Sci.

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