A histological study on the neuroendocrinal system of a coleopterous insect, cy3ister tripunctatus africanus cast.

Abstract

Four different types of neurosecretory cells were identified in the brain of the adult water beetle, Cybister tripunctatus africanus Cast. These cells were identified into A, B, C, & D types according to their morphological features and histochemical affinities. These cells were concentrated in three main locations in the brain, median portion of protocerebrum, lateral region of protocerebrum, and tritocerebrum. Thus, three endocrinal centers (or glands) are present in the brain of the adult insect. Certain differences were observed in the neurosecretory activity of these cells in the brains of male amd female insects. Ten phases of activities are displayed by the four of neurosecretory cells in the three different locations in the brain.