Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
10747424 | Acta Histochemica | 2005 | 8 Pages |
Abstract
The origin of the peritrophic membrane (PM) in bees is still a matter of debate. It is either of type I (synthesized by the entire midgut epithelium) or of type II (released from the anterior midgut end). The present study identified secretory sites of peritrophin-55Â kDa, a PM protein in larvae of Melipona quadrifasciata anthidioides. Peritrophin-55 was isolated from PMs and was used for the production of a polyclonal antibody. Our study demonstrates the presence of peritrophin-55 in vesicles and on microvilli of digestive cells and in the PM. It suggests that the PM is of type-I, being specific for the larval phase of this stingless bee.
Related Topics
Life Sciences
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology
Biochemistry
Authors
Solange Marques-Silva, José Eduardo Serrão, José Mario S. Mezêncio,