STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION OF THE SALIVARY-GLANDS OF THE TICK, BOOPHILUS-MICROPLUS CANESTRINI (ACARINA, IXODIDAE)

Salivary glands of the unfed tick Boophilus microplus contain three types of acini. Pyramidal cells in the type I acini have morphological characteristics indicative of epithelia involved in the secretion of hyperosmotic fluids. Granule-secreting cells in the types II and III acini are considered to secrete the enzymes and cement components required during feeding. Cells, which were insignificant in the types II and III acini of unfed ticks, develop during the early stages of feeding and are probably eventually responsible for the secretion of the excess fluid formed from the concentration of the blood meal. © 1979.