title: Alkaloid venom of European ants in the genus Monomorium. Site of synthesis, identification and quantification.
abstract: The venom of the European Ant Monomorium is composed of five alkaloids: three 2.5 transdialkylpyrrolidines and two 2.5 transdialkylpyrrolines. The venom is synthesized by a glandular complex composed of a biramous external filamentous gland, and a single internal gland invaginated into the reservoir. External glands and the proximal two-thirds of the internal gland are composed of glandular units, with one glandular cell and one associated duct cell. Glandular cells contain numerous giant mitochondria, a well-developed smooth endoplasmic reticulum and enigmatic rod-shaped structures. The secretory product is electron-lucent. The distal third of the internal gland is composed of 38-48 large secretory cells issuing directly into the reservoir. Their secretory product presents the same characteristics as the venom accumulated in the reservoir (opacity, affinity to stains and osmium).
authors.affiliation: Laboratoire d'Evolution des Etres organisés, Université P. et M. Curie (UA 681), Paris, France.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lemaire
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Lange
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bazire
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Cassier
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Clément
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Escoubas
authors.forename: J J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Basselier
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000862:Ant Venoms / Q000032:analysis / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D001000:Ants / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D001180:Arthropod Venoms / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D005088:Exocrine Glands / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008401:Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; D013058:Mass Spectrometry; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D015394:Molecular Structure; D011758:Pyrroles / Q000032:analysis; D011759:Pyrrolidines / Q000032:analysis
chemical_list: D000862:Ant Venoms; D001180:Arthropod Venoms; D011758:Pyrroles; D011759:Pyrrolidines; C013231:pyrroline