Alkaloid venom of European ants in the genus Monomorium. Site of synthesis, identification and quantification

Exp Biol. 1988;48(1):27-40.

Abstract

The venom of the European Ant Monomorium is composed of five alkaloids: three 2.5 transdialkylpyrrolidines and two 2.5 transdialkylpyrrolines. The venom is synthesized by a glandular complex composed of a biramous external filamentous gland, and a single internal gland invaginated into the reservoir. External glands and the proximal two-thirds of the internal gland are composed of glandular units, with one glandular cell and one associated duct cell. Glandular cells contain numerous giant mitochondria, a well-developed smooth endoplasmic reticulum and enigmatic rod-shaped structures. The secretory product is electron-lucent. The distal third of the internal gland is composed of 38-48 large secretory cells issuing directly into the reservoir. Their secretory product presents the same characteristics as the venom accumulated in the reservoir (opacity, affinity to stains and osmium).

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Ant Venoms / analysis
  • Ant Venoms / biosynthesis*
  • Ants / metabolism*
  • Ants / ultrastructure
  • Arthropod Venoms / biosynthesis*
  • Exocrine Glands / metabolism
  • Exocrine Glands / ultrastructure
  • Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
  • Mass Spectrometry
  • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  • Molecular Structure
  • Pyrroles / analysis
  • Pyrrolidines / analysis

Substances

  • Ant Venoms
  • Arthropod Venoms
  • Pyrroles
  • Pyrrolidines
  • pyrroline