Nuclear changes and acrosome formation during spermiogenesis in Euchistus heros (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)

Ultrastructural and cytochemical studies were carried out on nuclear changes and acrosome formation during the spermiogenesis of the phytophagous bug Euchistus heros. The development of the nucleus involves changes in the shape and in degree of chromatin condensation: initially it is dispersed and with a low-electron density, then assumes a fibrillar arrangement and finally compacts in an electron-dense material. The acrosome is formed by the Golgi complex and presents unusual morphological features during its development. The reaction product of acid phosphatase, glucose-6-phosphatase and thiamine pyrophosphatase activities were detected during various stages of acrosome development. In contrast, residues of alpha-N-acetylgalactosamine and basic proteins were only reported in the intermediate and late stages of the differentiation process, respectively.