title: Peritrophic membrane formation and the midgut barrier to arboviral infection in the mosquito, Culex tarsalis Coquillett (Insecta, Diptera).
abstract: The formation of the peritrophic membrane in adult female mosquitoes, Culex tarsalis, was examined by light and electron microscopy. The initial evidence of secretion of peritrophic membrane precursors occurred at 8-12 h after ingestion of the bloodmeal. Morphogenesis of the peritrophic membrane occurred within 12-16 h after the initial secretion; culminating with a fibrous, multilayered peritrophic membrane 20-24 h after bloodmeal ingestion. A discussion of the potential participation of the peritrophic membrane in a midgut barrier to infection by arboviruses is presented. The participation of the peritrophic membrane in a midgut barrier to infection of C. tarsalis, and many other mosquito species, by arboviruses is considered a moot point.
mesh_terms: D000005:Abdomen / Q000648:ultrastructure; D000818:Animals; D001103:Arboviruses; D003465:Culex / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D005260:Female; D008566:Membranes / Q000648:ultrastructure; D009024:Morphogenesis