IONIC REGULATORY ROLE OF SALIVARY SECRETION OF CATTLE TICK, BOOPHILUS MICROPLUS

The ionic concentrations of sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and chloride in the haemolymph and saliva of Boophilus microplus have been determined together with the osmotic pressures. The elimination of electrolytes along with excess water in the saliva prevents osmotic and electrolytic imbalance in the tick. The difference between the sodium and chloride ion intake and that retained by the tick is accounted for by the calculated content of the saliva. The salivary secretory mechanism is able to exercise some regulatory control over the haemolymph osmotic pressure and the ionic concentrations in the engorged tick. The amino acid composition of the haemolymph is stated. © 1969.