> > >I've wondered if the histopath images we see, showing > vegitatative Nosema exfoliating from the lining of the ventriculus is just > a > normal process where digestive goblets are beeing discharged into the > matrix > of pollen slurry, including the peritrophic membrane - that this is a > normal > symbiotic function or at least an adaptive one and not a suggestion of > pathology? Apoptosis of the midgut epithelial cells is a normal process, esp when trigger by the invasion of a virus or nosema. Both viruses and nosema code for proteins that suppress this innate immune response. So in answer to your question, *lack* of apoptosis when a cell is infected by nosema is non adaptive. -- Randy Oliver Grass Valley, CA www.ScientificBeekeeping.com *********************************************** The BEE-L mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html