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The innervation of the salivary gland of the tick, Boophilus microplus

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Summary

Salivary of the ixodid tick Boophilus microplus Canestrini are at least partially innervated by a branch of the pedipalpal nerve. Axons containing both large granular and smaller agranular vesicles were observed within the acini associated with all types of secretory cells. A modification of the Falk-Hillarp histochemical technique was used to demonstrate discrete areas of fluorescence within the salivary acini. It is suggested that the transmitter involved with the control of salivary activities is a catecholamine and may even be dopamine.

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This work formed part of a thesis submitted to the University of Cambridge for the degree of Ph.D. and was supported by a studentship from the Science Research Council. I would like to thank Drs. D.J. Beadle, M.J. Berridge and H.A. Robertson for their encouragement and advice

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Megaw, M.W.J. The innervation of the salivary gland of the tick, Boophilus microplus . Cell Tissue Res. 184, 551–558 (1977). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00220978

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