Arthropod immune system. V. Activated immunocytes (granulocytes) of the German cockroach, Blattella germanica (L.) (Dictyoptera: Blattellidae) show increased number of microtubules and nuclear pores during immune reaction to foreign tissue.

The German cockroach, Blattella germanica (L.) (Dictyoptera: Blattellidae) has two major immunocytes (blood cells) (granulocytes (GRs) and plasmatocytes). The GRs participate both in encapsulation and phagocytosis of nonself tissue. Structurally, the GRs are flattened and discoid, and contain, among other organelles, microtubules that are arranged in the form of a bundle in their peripheral region in the plane of flattening. If one implants a foreign tissue in the cockroach's abdomen, the GRs become activated and begin to encapsulate the implant by flattening and wrapping around it. The activated GRs show considerable increase in the number of both the microtubules and the nuclear pores of the nuclear envelope. Such structural changes in an activated arthropod immunocyte and their functional significance in its immune reaction against a foreign tissue have not been previously reported. We believe that the large number of microtubules is necessary not only to maintain the flattened nature of the GRs, but also to ensure the formation of an effective capsule against the deforming and shearing forces of the foreign tissue. And to keep up with the rapid assembly of new microtubules during encapsulation, the nucleus apparently triggers the synthesis of tubulin via ribosomes, its nuclear pores serving as channels for molecular transport to and from the nucleus. A structural and functional analogy between GRs and human platelet has also been suggested.