FURTHER OBSERVATIONS ON AMOEBOID HAEMOCYTES IN BLABERUS GIGANTEUS (L.) (ORTHOPTERA: BLATTIDAE)

Abstract

The movements of amoeboid haemocytes in vivo in wing veins of B. giganteus were studied with the aid of time-lapse cinephotomicrography and projection analysis. They are described here in detail and discussed in relation to haemocyte form and function. Haemocyte motion included non-migratory as well as migratory aspects. Non-migratory motion comprised the slow to turbulent cytoplasmic motion and intermittent probing movements of stationary cells. Active migration occurred in the more or less typical amoeboid fashion and also in the more peculiar contractile manner which involved the projection of hyaline, tactile pseudopodia of variable form and often resulted in extreme and relatively rapid elongation of the cell body. Haemocytes were thus able to move on flat surfaces, to extend themselves across spaces, and to force their way into narrow tissue interstices. These activities demonstrate the versatility of the cells and provide a means of accounting for certain of their functions.