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Impact of ivermectin on the ultrastructure of the testis of Argas (Persicargas) persicus (Ixodoidea: Argasidae)

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Abstract

Mated male Argas persicus were dissected 1 and 2 weeks after feeding on untreated and ivermectin (IVM)-treated pigeons. One week after feeding, testes of untreated ticks were filled with rounded spermatids with subplasmalemmal vesicles and cytoplasmic organelles, but lacking in treated ticks. Two weeks after feeding, testes were crowded with elongated spermatozoa supported by double-walled cisternal tubes. The tubes consisted of two opposite walls, each with outer-fringed processes and inner elongated cisternae. Both were supported with electron dense striated plates in the middle of the spermatozoon. Internally, the cisternal tubes contained mitochondria and vacuoles. The nuclei were elongated dense masses between the tubes and the cell membranes. Subcutaneous inoculation of IVM at the dose 400 μg/kg pigeon resulted in extensive alterations in the testis of A. persicus. IVM prevented the development of new spermatids. There was a break down of cell membranes and cytoplasmic organelles of spermatozoa. Multivesicular bodies and numerous vacuoles were noticed in their cytoplasm. Double membranes of elongated cisternae and striation of electron dense plates became indistinct. IVM caused granulation and vacuolization of the nucleus as well as injury of mitochondrial cristae. The results suggest that IVM may bind to the neurotransmitter or the hormone involved in the process of sperm development or may be toxic to the germinal cells of A. persicus testis.

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Author notes

  1. Ashraf A. Montasser

    Present address: Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, United Arab Emirates University, P.O. Box 17551, Al-Ain City, United Arab Emirates

  2. G.G. Gadelhak

    Present address: Department of Economic Entomology, Faculty of Agriculture, Alexandria University, Egypt

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, P.O. Box 11566, Cairo, Egypt

    Ashraf A. Montasser

  2. Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain City, United Arab Emirates

    G.G. Gadelhak

  3. Electron Microscope Unit, Faculty of Medicine, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain City, United Arab Emirates

    S. Tariq

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  1. Ashraf A. Montasser
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Correspondence to Ashraf A. Montasser .

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Montasser , A., Gadelhak, G. & Tariq, S. Impact of ivermectin on the ultrastructure of the testis of Argas (Persicargas) persicus (Ixodoidea: Argasidae). Exp Appl Acarol 36, 119–129 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10493-005-1270-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10493-005-1270-2

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