Electrophysiological studies on the axon pathways of specified nerve cells in the central ganglia of two insect species, Periplaneta americana and Schistocerca gregaria

In the present paper we have determined the fatty acid content of some edible insects of Mexico. A comparative analysis of the insect species studied in this research showed that caproic acid was present in a minimal proportion which ranged between 0.01 for Periplaneta americana (nymphs) and 0.06 (g/100 g, dry basis) for Euschistus strenuus. The highest proportion of caprilic acid (0.09) was found in Tenebrio molitor (adults). Atta sp. had the highest amount of capric acid (0.26). Polistes sp. was found to be rich in lauric acid (0.77) and for myristic acid it had the highest content (5.64). Dactylopius sp. and E. strenuus were rich in palmitic acid (14.89). Euschistus taxcoensis had the highest quantity of palmitoleic acid (12.06). Llaveia axin exhibited the highest quantity of stearic acid (22.75). Polistes sp. was found to be rich in oleic acid (38.28). The highest quantity of linoleic acid was observed in T. molitor (larvae) (10.89), and in L. axin the highest content of linolenic acid (7.82) was obtained. A comparison between the species under the present investigation revealed that, in general, the insects are poor in caproic, caprilic, capric, lauric, myristic, palmitoleic and linolenic acids, because the quantities were either minimal or could not be detected at all. They had moderate quantities of stearic, palmitic and linoleic acids and had high quantities of oleic acid. Finally it was concluded that although a particular insect species is unable to fulfil the total fatty acid need for a human, if consumed in combination they could definitely be able to supply a good amount of this highly valued nutrient.

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The Ultrastructure of the Perineurium in two Insect Species, Carausius Morosus and Periplaneta Americana

Journal of Cell Science ◽

10.1242/jcs.2.1.119 ◽

1967 ◽

Vol 2 (1) ◽

pp. 119-128

Author(s):

S. H. P. MADDRELL ◽

J. E. TREHERNE

Keyword(s):

Connective Tissue ◽

Periplaneta Americana ◽

Fluid Transport ◽

Insect Species ◽

Carausius Morosus ◽

Insect Central Nervous System ◽

Connective Tissue Sheath ◽

Extracellular Sodium ◽

Perineurial Cells ◽

Cellular Layer

The organization of the perineurium in two insect species (Carausius morosus and Periplaneta americana) has been examined with the electron microscope. In both species this cellular layer has been found to possess an extensive system of tortuous channels between the lateral cell walls. These channels are open at the outer margin adjacent to the fibrous connective-tissue sheath, but appear to be closed at the inner margin by regions of septate desmosomes and/or ‘tight’ junctions. There is an increased surface area at the inner margin of the perineurial cells produced by the presence of long inwardly directed flanges. An electron-dense coat has also been identified on the cytoplasmic side of the type II perineurial cell membranes at points of contact with the underlying extracellular system and at the outer surface adjacent to the connective-tissue sheath. This organization of the perineurium is strikingly similar to that observed in a variety of fluid-secreting epithelia and its possible function in fluid transport is discussed in relation to the available evidence on the physiology of the insect central nervous system. It is suggested, contrary to some earlier suppositions, that the perineurium may not be primarily involved in the control of the extracellular sodium level and that this regulation may be effected at a deeper level in the central nervous tissues.

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