Retrocerebral endocrine complex of a phthirapteran parasite, Laemobothrion percnopteri (Mallophaga: Amblycera), infesting Indian scavanger vulture.
The retrocerebral endocrine complex of Laemobothrion percnopteri Gervais (Phthiraptera: Amblycera) has been described. The neurosecretory cells occur, only in the pars intercerebralis of the brain, in 2 groups of 3 cells each, each group being situated dorsally on the 2 sides of the median line. The perikaryons of nervi corporis cardiac I (NCC I) and their intra-ganglionic pathways are reported. The origin of nervi corporis cardiaci II (NCC II) could not be directly traced. Corpora allata also contain the neurosecretory material. There is no apparent connection between the neurosecretory cells and the aorta. This is the first report of the presence of neurosecretory cells, the neurosecretory material and their pathways in Mallophaga.
D000818:Animals; D001717:Birds / Q000469:parasitology*; D001921:Brain / Q000166:cytology; D009490:Neurosecretory Systems / Q000166:cytology*; D008003:Phthiraptera / Q000033:anatomy & histology*