Rhipicephalus ( Boophilus) microplus (Canestrini, 1887) (Acari: Ixodidae): Acid phosphatase and ATPase activities localization in salivary glands of females during the feeding period

• Published in: Experimental parasitology 2006-10, Vol.114 (2), p.109-117
• Main Authors: Nunes, Erika Takagi, Camargo Mathias, Maria Izabel, Bechara, Gervásio Henrique
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Acari; Acid phosphatase; Acid Phosphatase - metabolism; Adenosine Triphosphatases - metabolism; adenosinetriphosphatase; Animals; apoptosis; Arachnida; ATPase; Biological and medical sciences; Boophilus microplus; Cattle; Cattle-tick; Cell Nucleus - enzymology; Cell Nucleus - ultrastructure; Cytochemistry; engorgement; enzyme activity; Feeding Behavior; Female; females; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Histochemistry; Histocytochemistry; Invertebrates; Ixodidae; Life cycle. Host-agent relationship. Pathogenesis; Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; Protozoa; Rhipicephalus; Rhipicephalus ( Boophilus) microplus; Rhipicephalus - enzymology; Rhipicephalus - physiology; Rhipicephalus - ultrastructure; salivary gland degeneration; Salivary glands; Salivary Glands - enzymology; Salivary Glands - ultrastructure; Secretory Vesicles - enzymology; Secretory Vesicles - ultrastructure; ticks; ultrastructure
• ISSN: 0014-4894; 1090-2449
• DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2006.02.022

This study investigates the presence and the localization of acid phosphatase and ATPase in the salivary glands of Rhipicephalus ( Boophilus) microplus female ticks during feeding. Semi-engorged females showed a larger amount of acid phosphatase compared to those at beginning of feeding, localized mainly in the apical portion of the secretory cells, and in the basal labyrinth of the interstitial cells. Ultrastructural observations also demonstrated its presence in secretion granules and inside some nuclei of secretory cells at beginning of feeding. Acid phosphatase in a free form probably has a hemolymph and/or ribosomal origin and participates in salivary gland secretion control. ATPase was detected in basal membrane of all types of acini and/or in the cytoplasm of the secretory cells at both feeding stages. The enzyme activities found strongly suggests that cell death by apoptosis occurs during the degenerative process.