Frequency of spermatophore production and regeneration in the males of Tityus (Atreus) magnimanus Pocock, 1897 (Scorpiones, Buthidae)

The frequency of spermatophore production and the amount of time between matings for laboratory-reared males of Tityus (Atreus) magnimanus to regenerate spermatophores were examined. Males attain sexual maturity at the fifth or sixth instar (after a period of 137 to 155 days) and can produce initial spermatophores shortly after maturation. After mating, males can regenerate spermatophores within a single 24-hour period and remate. The present contribution represents the first report on an aspect of reproductive biology in this species and is part of a continuing study of the life history and post-embryonic development of Tityus (Atreus) magnimanus.(AU)

Notes and observations on courtship and mating in Tityus (Atreus) magnimanus Pocock, 1897 (Scorpiones: Buthidae)

Courtship and mating behaviors of the scorpion Tityus (Atreus) magnimanus are herein described, consisting of various components that pertain to four distinct behavioral stages. The courtship and mating rituals of Tityus (Atreus) magnimanus are similar to those of other scorpions. Behavioral components are presented in an ethogram to demonstrate their occurrence during mating sequences. The current report is presented as observational data that were acquired during life history studies of this species.(AU)

Histological and histochemical characterization of the secretory cells of Choeradoplana iheringi Graff, 1899 (Platyhelminthes: Tricladida: Terricola)

The present study aims at providing a detailed description of the histology, as well as the first histochemical characterization, of the secretory cells of the epidermis, pharynx, and copulatory organs of Choeradoplana iheringi, in order to give further support to studies on the physiology of these organs. The secretory cells are distinguished on the basis of secretion morphology and its staining properties, using trichrome methods and histochemical reactions. Four cell types open through the epidermis of Ch. iheringi, three of them secreting basic protein and a fourth containing glycosaminoglycan mucins. The epidermal lining cells store glycogen. In the pharynx, four secretory cell types were distinguished. Two types produce glycoprotein, a third type secretes basic protein, and another one produces glycosaminoglycan mucins. In the male copulatory organs, the prostatic vesicle receives four secretory cell types containing basic protein, except for one type which produces glycoprotein. The two secretory cell types opening into the male atrium secrete, respectively, glycoprotein, and glycosaminoglycan mucins. In the female copulatory organs, the female atrium and its proximal diverticulum, the vagina, receive two types of secretory cells producing, respectively, basic protein and glycosaminoglycan mucins. Another secretory cell type constitutes the so-called shell glands which open into the common glandular duct, secreting basic protein. The lining cells of the male and female atria produce a mucous secretion containing glycosaminoglycans. In addition, the lining epithelium of the female atrium presents an apical secretion of a proteic nature. The occurrence of a kind of spermatophore is reported for the first time for a species of Choeradoplana. This structure is located in the male or female atria in different specimens, and characterized by erythrophil, xanthophil, and/or mixed secretions associated with sperm.

O presente estudo tem por objetivo fornecer detalhada descrição da histologia e a primeira caracterização histoquímica das células secretoras da epiderme, da faringe e do aparelho reprodutor de Ch. iheringi, visando a propor estudos da fisiologia desses órgãos. As células secretoras foram diferenciadas com base na morfologia da secreção e em sua coloração, com métodos tricrômicos e reações histoquímicas. Quatro tipos de células secretoras desembocam na epiderme de Ch. iheringi, sendo três com secreção protéica básica e uma do tipo mucoso, contendo glicosaminoglicanas. As células de revestimento que compõem a epiderme armazenam glicogênio. Na faringe, quatro tipos de células secretoras são observadas: duas produzem secreção de natureza glicoprotéica, uma apresenta secreção protéica básica e uma secreta glicosaminoglicanas. No aparelho copulador masculino, em sua vesícula prostática desembocam quatro tipos de células secretoras, as quais contêm secreção protéica básica, excetuando uma cuja secreção é de natureza glicoprotéica. O átrio masculino recebe a desembocadura de dois tipos de células secretoras, um tipo contendo secreção glicoprotéica e outro, glicosaminoglicanas. No aparelho copulador feminino, o átrio feminino e seu divertículo ental, a vagina, recebem a desembocadura de dois tipos de células secretoras, que produzem, respectivamente, proteína básica e glicosaminoglicanas. Um outro tipo de célula secretora constitui as chamadas glândulas da casca, que desembocam no ducto glandular comum e secretam proteína básica. As células de revestimento dos átrios masculino e feminino produzem secreções mucosas constituídas por glicosaminoglicanas. O epitélio de revestimento do átrio feminino apresenta, ainda, um tipo diferenciado de secreção protéica acumulada apicalmente. A ocorrência de um tipo de espermatóforo é registrada pela primeira vez para uma espécie de Choeradoplana. Tal estrutura foi observada em três espécimes, ocorrendo no átrio masculino ou feminino, sendo caracterizada pela associação de espermatozóides com secreções eritrófilas, xantófilas e/ou mistas.

Light and electron microscopic studies on the seminal secretions and the vas deferens of the penaeiodean shrimp, Sicyonia ingentis.

Unlike the other penaeiodean shrimp, the ridge back shrimp, Sicyonia ingentis does not produce a spermatophore, but transfers sperm suspended in seminal plasm. This paper reports on the histomorphology and ultrastructure of the vas deferens with reference to its functional role in secreting the sperm bearing materials. The vas deferens is divisible into proximal secretory, mid storage and distal ejaculatory regions. The epithelial cells lining the proximal vas deferens are comprised of secretory and absorptive cell types. The loose sperm cells found in the lumen of this region are in an immature condition, and are agglutinated into a compact mass with signs of spermiogenesis in the mid vas deferens. The epithelial cells lining the mid vas deferens are short flattened cells. The distal vas deferens is ensheathed by muscular fibres. The inner epithelial cells are highly secretory and contain numerous microvilli at the luminal end. The sperm cord gets liquefied in this region facilitating the transfer of sperm in liquid form to the female during mating.