Peritrophic membrane protein in the larval stingless bee Melipona quadrifasciata anthidioides: immunolocalization of secretory sites

Abstract

The origin of the peritrophic membrane (PM) in bees is still a matter of debate. It is either of type I (synthesized by the entire midgut epithelium) or of type II (released from the anterior midgut end). The present study identified secretory sites of peritrophin-55 kDa, a PM protein in larvae of Melipona quadrifasciata anthidioides. Peritrophin-55 was isolated from PMs and was used for the production of a polyclonal antibody. Our study demonstrates the presence of peritrophin-55 in vesicles and on microvilli of digestive cells and in the PM. It suggests that the PM is of type-I, being specific for the larval phase of this stingless bee.

Morphology and Morphometry of the Midgut in the Stingless Bee Friesella schrottkyi (Hymenoptera: Apidae)

“…The P.A.S histochemical test shows an occurrence of positive granules in the median-apical cytoplasm of the digestive cells and in the F. schrottkyi midgut lumen, suggesting the secretion of glycoconjugates throughout the midgut [13,26,29], in contrast to C. flavicincta with glycoconjugates granules scattered throughout the whole cell [26]. These P.A.S.-positive granules may be digestive enzymes [10,20] or compounds of the peritrophic matrix that are secreted by digestive cells along the whole organ [30,31] to be released into the midgut lumen.…”

“…Autophagosomes in the digestive cells of F. schrottkyi suggest the high activity of these cells since the autophagosomes participate in the removal of damaged organelles and turnover of intracellular compounds. Digestive cells of bees have been claimed to be multifunctional synthesizing digestive enzymes [11,17,19,20,34], peritrophic matrix compounds [30,31] and membrane protein transporters for nutrient absorption [33]. All these functions demand high energy consumption via ATP generated in the mitochondria, which can lead to the production of a high level of reactive oxygen species resulting in mitochondrial damage [35] as well as endoplasmic reticulum stress [36,37], which are removed by autophagy.…”

Origin, evolution and function of the hemipteran perimicrovillar membrane with emphasis on Reduviidae that transmit Chagas disease

“…As these domains are highly hydrated, they lubricate the surface of the PM, easing the movement of food inside the PM and in the ectoperitrophic fluid outside the PM (Terra, 2001; Terra & Ferreira, 2012). The PM is classified into two types (Peters, 1992; Marques-Silva et al, 2005). Type I PM (primarily studied in lepidopteran larvae and dipteran adults) is produced along the midgut epithelium (Marques-Silva et al, 2005; Teixeira, et al, 2015) and is induced by the distension of the gut caused by food ingestion (Terra, 2001).…”

“…The PM is classified into two types (Peters, 1992; Marques-Silva et al, 2005). Type I PM (primarily studied in lepidopteran larvae and dipteran adults) is produced along the midgut epithelium (Marques-Silva et al, 2005; Teixeira, et al, 2015) and is induced by the distension of the gut caused by food ingestion (Terra, 2001). This type of PM is found in Coleoptera, Dictyoptera, Ephemeroptera, Hymenoptera, Odonata, Orthoptera, Phasmida, larval Lepidoptera and adult hematophagous Diptera with subtle differences (Peters, 1992; Hegedus et al, 2009).…”

“…This type of PM is found in Coleoptera, Dictyoptera, Ephemeroptera, Hymenoptera, Odonata, Orthoptera, Phasmida, larval Lepidoptera and adult hematophagous Diptera with subtle differences (Peters, 1992; Hegedus et al, 2009). Type II PM is produced in a restricted region called the cardia that separates the foregut from the midgut (Marques-Silva et al, 2005; Teixeira, et al, 2015). This PM is found in some orders of Polyneoptera, such as Dermaptera, Isoptera and Embiodea and some species of Lepidoptera, and the larvae of Diptera (Hegedus et al, 2009).…”