THE STRUCTURE AND SECRETION OF THE SPERMATHECA OF RHODNIUS PROLIXUS STÅL: A HISTOCHEMICAL STUDY

Abstract

This paper presents a light microscope study of the cytology of the cells which secrete a substance into the lumen of the spermatheca of Rhodnius prolixus. On the basis of histochemical tests, the material in the lumen appears to be a mucoprotein or glycoprotein. It is suggested that the secretion provides a source of energy for the maintenance of the spermatozoa.