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Serotonin-like immunoreactivity in the central nervous system of two ixodid tick species

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Abstract

Immunocytochemistry was used to describe the distribution of serotonin-like immunoreactive (5HT-IR) neurons and neuronal processes in the central nervous system (CNS), the synganglion, of two ixodid tick species; the winter tick, Dermacentor albipictus and the lone star tick, Amblyomma americanum. 5HT-IR neurons were identified in the synganglion of both tick species. D. albipictus had a significantly higher number of 5HT-IR neurons than A. americanum. The labeling pattern and number of 5HT-IR neurons were significantly different between sexes in D. albipictus, but were not significantly different between sexes in A. americanum. 5HT-IR neurons that were located in the cortex of the synganglion projected processes into the neuropils, invading neuromeres in the supraesophageal ganglion including the protocerebrum, postero-dorsal, antero-dorsal and cheliceral neuromeres. In the subesophageal ganglion, dense 5HT-IR neuronal processes were found in the olfactory lobes, pedal, and opisthosomal neuromeres. Double-labeling with neurobiotin backfilled from the first leg damaged at the Haller’s organ revealed serotoninergic neuronal processes surrounding the glomeruli in the olfactory lobes. The high number of the 5HT-IR neurons and the extensive neuronal processes present in various regions of the synganglion suggest that serotonin plays a significant role in tick physiology.

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Acknowledgements

We thank K. M. Collins, J. B. Welch, Z. Syed and two anonymous reviewers for critically reviewing this manuscript. We thank N. Davis for generously training N. A. H. in immunocytochemical methods; the RCMI Advanced Imaging Core Facility at University of Texas, San Antonio for use of the Zeiss LSM 510; and J. M. Pound for thoughtful discussion. We also thank D. Burchers for rearing ticks and technical support. N. A. H. is supported by a USDA, ARS, Postdoctoral Research Associate Program award to A. Y. L.

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  1. Natalie A. Hummel

    Present address: Department of Entomology, Louisiana State University, 404 Life Sciences Building, Baton Rouge, LA, 70803, USA

Authors and Affiliations

  1. ARS, Knipling-Bushland U.S. Livestock Insects Research Laboratory, USDA, 2700 Fredericksburg Road, Kerrville, TX, 78028, USA

    Natalie A. Hummel & Andrew Y. Li

  2. Department of Biology, RCMI Advanced Imaging Core, University of Texas at San Antonio, 6900 North Loop 1604, San Antonio, TX, 78249, USA

    Colleen M. Witt

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  1. Natalie A. Hummel
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Correspondence to Natalie A. Hummel or Andrew Y. Li.

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This article reports the results of research only. Mention of a proprietary product does not constitute an endorsement or a recommendation by the USDA for its use.

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Hummel, N.A., Li, A.Y. & Witt, C.M. Serotonin-like immunoreactivity in the central nervous system of two ixodid tick species. Exp Appl Acarol 43, 265–278 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10493-007-9120-z

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