Role of the perineurium and glial lacunar system in nutrition and storage of nutrients in the central nervous system of Spodoptera litura Fabr. (Lepidoptera: Noctulidae) at the time of reorganisation of the neural lamella during metamorphosis.

Abstract

Brains and nerve cords of Spodoptera litura (Fabr.) of various stages during metamorphosis were tested for acid mycopolisaccharides (AMPS), PAS-positive substances, glycogen, proteins and lipids. During reorganisation of the neural lamella in pupal period glycogen and PAS-positive substances are stored in perineurium and AMPS in the glial lacunar system (GIS) and below the perineurium as a thin layer. Lipids and AMPS diffuse in the GIS. The perineurium and GIS serve for the passage as well as storage of nutrients. In neuropile, only proteins are present. Significances of these findings is discussed.