Effect of sublethal Bacillus thuringiensis crystal endotoxin treatment on the larval midgut of a moth, Manduca: SEM study.

The effect of a single, sublethal dose of B. thuringiensis crystal endotoxin on the midgut of the moth Manduca sexta larvae was monitored during acute and recovery stages. Initially both goblet and columnar cells swelled. Many columnar cells produced membrane extrusions. In some cases the affected cells ruptured, extruding cellular debris into the midgut lumen. Following the acute stage, the midgut tissue recovered, the damaged cells being extruded into the midgut lumen apparently as newly regenerated cells rose to take their place. The insects appeared to recover completely and continue normal development.