Nondigestive Cell Types in the Midgut Epithelium of Rhodnius Prolixus (Hemiptera: Reduviidae)1

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Abstract
The ultrastructure of regenerative cells and endocrine cells in the midgut epithelium of mated female Rhodnius prolixus is described. Regenerative cells are numerous, found in all midgut regions, and do not contain any of the normal secretory apparatus of a cell. Endocrine cells are less numerous, restricted to the intestine, and contain prominent Golgi complexes, electron-opaque vacuoles, and intermediate-staining secretory granules. Both cell types rest on the basal lamina of the midgut and are considerably smaller than the normal digestive epithelial cells. The structure of the endocrine cells is compared to those from other insects, and a role for the endocrine cell in the hormonal control of blood meal digestion is postulated.