title: The labial gland system of larvae of the imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren. Ultrastructure and enzyme analysis.
abstract: The authors describe the ultrastructure of the labial gland system in imported fire ant larvae, Solenopsis invicta Buren and present an enzyme analysis of enzymes in labial-gland secretions and midgut contents. The tubes of the labial gland produce and secrete a proteinaceous substance rich in digestive enzymes. The narrow cells of the reservoir of the gland have little or no secretory function but the lumen stores the proteinaceous secretion. The labial-gland enzymes include proteases and amylases, which function in extraintestinal digestion of solid food placed on the anteroventral body region of 4th-instar larvae by adult workers. The midgut contains proteases, amylases, and lipases. Lipids appear to be predigested by the workers before being fed to the larvae.
mesh_terms: D000681:Amylases / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D001000:Ants / Q000201:enzymology / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D005088:Exocrine Glands / Q000201:enzymology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D007814:Larva / Q000201:enzymology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008049:Lipase / Q000378:metabolism; D009940:Organoids / Q000648:ultrastructure; D010447:Peptide Hydrolases / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D008049:Lipase; D000681:Amylases; D010447:Peptide Hydrolases