title: Fine structure of the male accessory glands of Triatoma rubrofasciata (De Geer, 1773) (Hemiptera, Triatominae).
abstract: Male of Triatoma rubrofasciata has four elongated sac-like reproductive mesodermic accessory glands, lined by an inner single layer of secretory cells, with basal plasma membrane infolds and short apical microvilli, and externally enveloped by a thin visceral muscle layer. The secretory cells have a well-developed rough endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi complex, mitochondria, and secretory granules. In one day old adult the gland cells are poorly developed, presenting small, electron-transparent secretory granules scattered among the rough endoplasmatic reticulum, whereas in three days old adult these cells have the cisternae of the rough endoplasmatic reticulum varing size degree, filled with granular electrondense content. In five days old males the secretory granules increase in diameter, being released to the gland lumen. Therefore, there is an increase of the secretory activity according to male maturation.
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Biologia Animal, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
authors.forename: Simone Patrícia Carneiro
authors.initials: SP
authors.lastname: Freitas
authors.forename: Teresa Cristina Monte
authors.initials: TC
authors.lastname: Gonçalves
authors.forename: José Eduardo
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Serrão
authors.forename: Jacenir Reis
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Santos-Mallet
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D005837:Genitalia, Male / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D008297:Male; D022142:Secretory Vesicles / Q000648:ultrastructure; D012741:Sexual Maturation; D014224:Triatoma / Q000648:ultrastructure*