Journal of Cell Science, Vol 2, 119-128, Copyright © 1967 by Company of Biologists

Submitted on July 29, 1966

The Ultrastructure of the Perineurium in two Insect Species, Carausius Morosus and Periplaneta Americana

¹ Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge; Caius College, Cambridge
² Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge; A.R.C. Unit of Insect Physiology

The organization of the perineurium in two insect species (Carausius morosus and Periplaneta americana) has been examined with the electron microscope. In both species this cellular layer has been found to possess an extensive system of tortuous channels between the lateral cell walls. These channels are open at the outer margin adjacent to the fibrous connective-tissue sheath, but appear to be closed at the inner margin by regions of septate desmosomes and/or ‘tight’ junctions. There is an increased surface area at the inner margin of the perineurial cells produced by the presence of long inwardly directed flanges. An electron-dense coat has also been identified on the cytoplasmic side of the type II perineurial cell membranes at points of contact with the underlying extracellular system and at the outer surface adjacent to the connective-tissue sheath. This organization of the perineurium is strikingly similar to that observed in a variety of fluid-secreting epithelia and its possible function in fluid transport is discussed in relation to the available evidence on the physiology of the insect central nervous system. It is suggested, contrary to some earlier suppositions, that the perineurium may not be primarily involved in the control of the extracellular sodium level and that this regulation may be effected at a deeper level in the central nervous tissues.