The ultrastructure of the prothoracic gland/corpus allatum/corpus cardiacum ring complex of the Australian sheep blowfly larva Lucilia cuprina (Wied.) (Insecta: Diptera).

The ultrastructure of the constituent endocrine glands within the ring complex of Lucilia cuprina larvae has not been previously described. This study investigated the ring complex of mid-third instar larvae. Three distinct endocrine cell types were identified: (1) prothoracic gland (PTG) cells which constituted the major cell type; (2) corpus allatum (CA) cells, localized in the anterior central region, and (3) corpus cardiacum (CC) cells, located posteriorly, ventral to the aorta. PTG cells were identifiable by their large ovoid nuclei (9-14 microns dia, length 12-18 microns) and numerous cytoplasmic lipid vacuoles. The plasma membrane of peripheral PTG cells were invaginated to form intercellular channels. The CA cells are characterized by ovoid nuclei (6-7.5 microns dia, 6.5-9 microns length) and electron dense staining cytoplasm. Compared to PTG cells the CA cells had smaller nuclei and lower nucleus:cytoplasm cell ratio. Extensive networks of highly irregular, electron-lucent intracellular spaces, dispersed throughout the cytoplasm were also characteristic of CA cells at this developmental stage. These spaces often contained membrane bound lipid vacuoles occurring singly or as aggregates. The CC contained both intrinsic and extrinsic neural components. The intrinsic cells were characterized by circular nuclei (6.5-8.5 microns dia), prominent nucleolus and numerous cytoplasmic electron-dense neurosecretory granules (100-240 nm dia). The extrinsic axons and terminals within the CC contained electron-dense neurosecretory granules (80-150 nm), neurotubules and mitochondria.