Schematic representation, histology, and histochemistry of the metapleural gland of <i>Wasmannia auropunctata</i> (Blepharidattini).

<p>Secretory cells (<b>sc</b>) and their nuclei (<b>n</b>), extracytoplasmic portion of canaliculi (<b>ec</b>) and their nuclei (<b>n</b>), collecting chamber (<b>cc</b>) and the sieve plate (<b>p</b>) and reservoir (<b>r</b>) with opening (<b>og</b>), lined by epithelium (<b>ep</b>) and cuticular intima (<b>cut</b>) are shown. <b>A–B:</b> Histological sections of the metapleural gland stained with hematoxylin and eosin (staining in nucleus and cytoplasm). Details of the secretory cells (<b>sc</b>) and nuclei (<b>n</b>), intracytoplasmic portion (<b>arrow</b>) of canaliculi (<b>ec</b>), reservoir (<b>r</b>) lined by epithelium (<b>ep</b>) and cuticular intima (<b>cut</b>). Scale bar = 20 µm. <b>C–D:</b> Histological sections of the metapleural gland stained with PAS/methyl green (for detecting polysaccharides and RNA). Details of secretory cells (<b>sc</b>) showing the cytoplasm, nucleus (<b>n</b>), intracytoplasmic canaliculi (<b>arrow</b>), and reservoir (<b>r</b>) lined by epithelium (<b>ep</b>). Note the presence of few granules containing polysaccharides (<b>dark arrow</b>) located in the periphery of the secretory cells. Scale bar = 20 µm. <b>E–F:</b> Histological sections of the metapleural gland stained with bromophenol blue (for detecting total proteins). Details of secretory cells (<b>sc</b>), nuclei (<b>n</b>), intracytoplasmic portion of the canaliculi (<b>arrow</b>), and reservoir (<b>r</b>) lined by a cuticular intima (<b>cut</b>). Scale bar = 20 µm. <b>G–H:</b> Histological sections of the metapleural gland stained with Nile blue (for detecting acidic lipids). Details of secretory cells (<b>sc</b>) and collecting chamber (<b>cc</b>). Scale bar = 20 µm.