The neural control of spermathecal contractions in the locust, Locusta migratoria

The innervation of the spermatheca and demonstration of neural control of spermathecal contractions in Locusta migratoria was illustrated using anterograde and retrograde fills, combined with electrophysiological stimulation and recording. The anterior portion of the spermatheca receives innervation via the receptaculum seminis nerve (N2B2) from two large ventral neurons and one dorsal neuron. All were bilaterally paired and situated in the VIIIth abdominal ganglion. Three ventral bilaterally paired neurons situated in the VIIIth abdominal ganglion also provide innervation to the posterior portion of the spermatheca via the ductus seminalis aperture nerve (N2B3). Six DUM neurons, located in the VIIIth abdominal ganglion, in addition to two centroposteriorly situated DUM neurons in the VIIth abdominal ganglion, are also associated with these two nerves. N2B4 also provides innervation to the posterior portion of the spermatheca. N2B6b is associated with sensory cells identified in the anterior lateral regions of the genital chamber. The spermatheca contracts spontaneously, with peristaltic contractions beginning at the spermathecal sac and continuing along the length of the spermathecal duct. However electrical stimulation of the ventral ovipositor nerve (VON or N2B), receptaculum seminis nerve (N2B2) and the ductus seminalis aperture nerve (N2B3) indicates that contractions are also under neural control. In particular contractions of the spermathecal sac, coil duct and anterior straight duct are initiated via motor projections from the receptaculum seminis nerve (N2B2) and posterior straight duct contractions are controlled by motor input from the ductus seminalis aperture nerve (N2B3). The results suggest that spermathecal contractions of the anterior and posterior portions of the spermatheca are under separate neural control.