Sheathed nuclear division in primary spermatocytes of Orgyia antiqua (Lepidoptera, Insecta)

The restructuring of spermatocytes during the first meiotic division is examined in the moth Orgyia antiqua (Lymantriidae, Lepidoptera) using transmission electron microscopy. Particular emphasis was placed on the behaviour of the perispindle membrane system. These membranes develop from layers of smooth endoplasmic reticulum wrapped around the prophase I nucleus and are retained until early telophase I. The original nuclear envelope is dissolved in metaphase I. Polar fenestrae in the perispindle membrane stacks are filled with numerous irregular membrane elements. The formation of new nuclear envelopes around the daughter nuclei takes place inside the perispindle membrane system. Finally, the membrane stacks rupture concomitantly with spindle elongation in late telophase I. Thus, division of primary spermatocytes in Orgyia antiqua has a surprising degree of similarity with the so-called closed mitosis. This mode of division is typical for many protozoa, algae and fungi. In the pertinent cells, the original nuclear envelope persists around the spindle area during nuclear division. In order to distinguish the closed mitosis from the situation in Orgyia antiqua spermatocytes, the term 'sheathed nuclear division' is suggested for the latter.