ASPECTS OF MUCOPOLYSACCHARIDE PRODUCTION IN LARVAL INSECT SALIVARY CELLS

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Abstract
Differences are shown in the intracellular pattern of distribution of mucopolysaccharides in salivary glands of two species belonging to Chironomidae Smittia sp. and Sciaridae Lycoriella solani. The glands synthesize a variety of mucopolysaccharides. Some of these may be neutral mucopolysaccharides and are detected by the periodic acid-Schiff reaction; they occur in either species. Others are acid mucopolysaccharides, some sulphur-containing and possibly some sulphur-less, including hyaluronic acid and/or hyaluronidase-sensitive substances; the acid type is encountered only in the chironomid. In the latter, the incorporation of radio-sulphate corresponds with the relative abundance of acid mucopolysaccharides as revealed cytochemically. The labelled mucopolysaccharides are in vitro secreted into the gland lumen. Mucopolysaccharides occur apparently associated with chromosomal deoxyribonucleic acid in either species, and with cyto-plasmic ribonucleic acid in the chironomid.