MIDGUT ULTRASTRUCTURE OF FOURTH INSTAR OCHLEROTATUS TOGOI (DIPTERA: CULICIDAE)

The ultrastructure of the midgut of fourth instar Ochlerotatus togoi was investigated by light, scanning and transmission electron microscopy. This study was performed to provide information to help devise future control efforts aimed at the larval stages of this vector of filariasis. The fourth instar midgut was approximately 2 mm in length and consisted of three morphologically distinct cell types: epithelial, regenerative, and endocrine cells. There was a monolayer of epithelial cells on the luminal surface of the midgut, with multiple folds of the plasma membrane where it adjoined the basement membrane. Regenerative cells were scattered throughout the basal portion of the epithelium, along with endocrine cells. No evidence of division or differentiation was seen in any of the cell types. Six layers of the peritrophic matrix were observed in the gut lumen which separated ingested food from the midgut epithelial cells. Cytoplasmic protrusions were seen in many areas of the luminal midgut surface and numerous autophagosomes were seen in the epithelial cells of both early and late fourth instar larvae, suggesting autophagy is involved in the degeneration process of the midgut in preparation for pupation. This study provides a basis for understanding normal Oc. togoi larval midgut development. Further studies are needed to determine the factors that control larval growth and the nutritional state. Such information could be used to reduce adult fecundity and develop biological control mechanisms.