Effects of gamma irradiation on the midgut ultrastructure of Glossina palpalis subspecies
In the sterile insect technique, insects are sterilized prior to release in areas where they are pests. The sterile males compete for and with fertile wild individuals for mates, thus reducing the population's reproductive rate. Tsetse fly (Glossina spp.) populations have been eradicated after release of laboratory-bred flies sterilized by gamma irradiation. However, no studies exist on radiation-induced damage to the midgut morphology and function of the radiation-sterilized insects. After G. palpalis palpalis and G. p. gambiensis were subjected to 130 Gy gamma radiation, their midgut damage and recovery were monitored by electron microscopy. The first sign of damage was atrophy and loss of the microvillous border from epithelial cells. The rate of cell degeneration increased, with young as well as old cells being affected and cellular debris filling the ectoperitrophic space. Muscle cells were destroyed, patches of basal lamina were left bare, intracellular virus- and rickettsia-like organisms became more frequent, and many replacement cells became unusually large. Partial recovery occurred from the 10th day postirradiation. Such changes in midgut ultrastructure and the corresponding inhibition of functions may increase the susceptibility of the fly to trypanosome infection.
- Research Organization:
- Univ. of Salford (England)
- OSTI ID:
- 5764851
- Journal Information:
- Radiat. Res.; (United States), Vol. 118:2
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES
DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
ULTRASTRUCTURAL CHANGES
FLIES
BIOLOGICAL RADIATION EFFECTS
ELECTRON MICROSCOPY
EPITHELIUM
GAMMA RADIATION
PEST CONTROL
REPRODUCTION
ANIMAL TISSUES
ANIMALS
ARTHROPODS
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
BODY
CONTROL
DIPTERA
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
INSECTS
INVERTEBRATES
IONIZING RADIATIONS
MICROSCOPY
MORPHOLOGICAL CHANGES
RADIATION EFFECTS
RADIATIONS
TISSUES
560152* - Radiation Effects on Animals- Animals
553003 - Agriculture & Food Technology- Pest & Disease Control- (1987-)