Prostaglandins in the salivary glands and reproductive organs of <i>Hyalomma anatolicum excavatum</i> Koch (Acari: Ixodidae)

Abstract

Abstract Prostaglandin F (PGF) and E2 (PGE2) were assayed in the reproductive organs, salivary glands and egg-batches of laboratory-bred males and females of Hyalomma anatolicum excavatum Koch. Salivary glands and reproductive organs were dissected from unfed male and female ticks as well as from ticks that had fed for six days on rabbits; these organs were cultured for 24 and 72 h in tissue culture medium-199 with Earle's salt and HEPES buffer at pH 7·6 and 37°C. The amounts of PGF and PGE 2 accumulated in the culture were determined by a radioimmunoassay using specific antibodies. Both salivary glands and reproductive organs were shown to synthesise PGEa and PGF. This synthesis and also the prostaglandin content of the organs were significantly increased after engorgement. The synthesising capacity and content of PGE 2 and PGF in both the salivary glands and reproductive organs were higher in the female than in the male.