Neural pathways mediating salivary fluid secretion in the ixodid tick Amblyomma hebraeum

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Abstract
In ixodid ticks, the salivary glands are innervated by at least two nerves: one arising from the so called lateral plexus (SGNlp) and one arising as a branch of the palpal nerve (SGNpn). The injection of cholinomimetic drugs or large volumes of isosmotic saline into the haemocoel is known to stimulate salivary fluid secretion. The object of this study was to determine which nerves mediate the latter responses. We challenged ticks with either carbachol or isosmotic saline after cutting various nerves bilaterally. Cutting the SGNlp attenuated both carbachol-induced and saline-induced secretion. Cutting the opisthosomal nerves attenuated only saline-induced secretion. Cutting the SGNpn appeared to inhibit salivation in a nonspecific manner. The data indicate that saline-induced salivation is mediated by a sensory receptor located in the opisthosoma, whereas carbachol exerts its effect either in the central nervous system or via a sensory receptor located in the cephalothorax.

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