Tick salivary gland physiology.

Full Abstract

The multifunctional, morphologically complex salivary glands are essential to the biological success of ticks and are intricately involved in the transmission of pathogens. They are innervated, and there is convincing evidence that dopamine is a neurotransmitter at the neuroeffector junction controlling fluid secretion. As feeding progresses, the rate of salivary fluid secretion increases greatly, enabling the ixodid tick to concentrate the bloodmeal by returning excess water and ions to the host. Saliva in feeding ticks is rich in bioactive components and exhibits a range of pharmacological properties. Factors identified in saliva or salivary glands include cement to help anchor the mouthparts to the host, various enzymes and inhibitors, histamine agonists and antagonists, prostaglandins, antihemostatic factors, and immuno-modulating factors. A secretion from the salivary glands allows ticks to absorb water from the air during the lengthy periods off their hosts. The physiology of this remarkable organ provides a striking example of strategies that have evolved to meet the challenge of a unique parasitic life style.

Author information

Author/s: Sauer, J R (JR); McSwain, J L (JL); Bowman, A S (AS); Essenberg, R C (RC);

Affiliation: Department of Entomology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater 74078.

Grants: AI-26158 (Agency:NIAID NIH HHS) ; AI-31460 (Agency:NIAID NIH HHS)

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.; Review

Journal: Annual review of entomology (Annu Rev Entomol), published in UNITED STATES. (Language: eng)

Reference: 1995-; vol 40 (issue ) : pp 245-67

Dates: Created 1995/01/31; Completed 1995/01/31; Revised 2007/11/14;

PMID: 7810988, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 2/18/2009, IMS Date: )

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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