ULTRASTRUCTURAL-STUDY OF ACCESSORY-GLANDS OF MALE REPRODUCTIVE-SYSTEM IN ACANTHOSCELIDES-OBTECTUS SAY (COLEOPTERA, BRUCHIDAE)

In Acanthoscelides obtectus, the male reproductive system has 4 pairs of accessory glands. Their general organization, ultrastructural and cytochemical characteristics have been established in relation to sexual activity. The elaboration of the different glycoproteinic secretions and their transfer toward the apical part of the cells have been examined. The role of endoplasmic reticulum in elaboration and transfer of secretions is important. The function of the Golgi apparatus is less pronounced. The excretion of the secretion granules occurs either at the junction of the endoplasmic reticulum-cytoplasmic membrane (inferior or median glands) or by exocytosis (tubular glands). The glandular activity is important during the first 24 hr of imaginal life or after a period of intense sexual activity. © 1979.