Identification of acinar cells of salivary gland in blood fed female ticks (Hyalomma anatolicusm anatolicum) by light microscopy

Ticks play an important role in human and veterinary medicine particularly due to their ability to transmit protozoan pathogens. This study was undertaken on salivary gland of tick using histological methods to decrease cost and budget to determine the presence of tick-borne pathogens of medical and veterinary importance. Ticks have been proved as carrier or vector of pathogenic protozoa by separating salivary gland and using histological methods. This study provides the morphological and histological properties of the salivary glands of semi-engorged Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum females. Unfed ticks solely were placed on cattle’s ear for feeding and females were collected, and placed in glass vials containing 70% ethanol. Collected ticks were studied and identified morphologically. Dorsal exoskeleton removed with a scalpel and salivary glands were separated by suitable forceps. Then Salivary glands were fixed in 10% formalin for further studies by light microscopy. Samples were stained with hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) for investigation under light microscope. The histological results show that the glandular tissue in females is combined with a system of ducts and the salivary glands of H. a. anatolicum consisted of three types of acinus (acinus I, II and III). The type I acinus was agranular and showed slight morphological changes during feeding. There were five granular cell types in the type II acinus, and three granular cell types in type III acinus. Data achieved here will help in understanding of the cellular morphology and general histology of these organs in this specie, preparing important information for the creation of scientific bases which will contribute to the development of more specific and efficient methods of control.