Hormonal-Pheromonal Interrelationships in Ticks and Parasitic Mites.
Abstract
This report summarizes investigations on the role of natural arthropod hormones on mating and reproduction in ticks and other Acari. Studies were directed to the role of steroid hormones, especially ecdysone and 20-hydroxyecdysone (20-OH ecdysone) and juvenile hormones, on these fundamental biological processes. Stimulation (excitation) of sex pheromone activity by 20-OH ecdysone, but not by juvenile hormones, was demonstrated, both in vivo and in vitro. Both females and males (the latter do not normally produce pheromone) respond to deliberate excitation by increase tick sex pheromone production. The history and ultrastructure of the pheromone glands were described, and morphologic changes correlated with gland development during the ecdysial period, post-ecdysial period, maturation, feeding and repletion were noted. Studies on the biosynthesis of ecdysteroids demonstrated synthesis from cholesterol and implicated the synganglion-lateral segmental organ plexus as a major site for this activity. The metabolism of ecdysteroids in ticks was described also. Following synthesis from cholesterol, ecdysone is metabolized to 20-OH ecdysone and, subsequently to a spectrum of non-polar ecdysteroid conjugates. The metabolism of exogenous juvenile hormone (JH) was also investigated. The number of chromosomes, autosomes vs. sex chromosomes, and the genetics of parthenogenes is reviewed in several species. Keywords Radioimmunoassay; High Performance Liquid Chromatography; Apolysis; Parabiosis; Transplantation techniques.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1986
- Accession Number
- ADA178662
Entities
People
- Daniel E. Sonenshine
- James H. Oliver
- Paul J. Homsher
Organizations
- Old Dominion University