The role of the salivary glands in ixodid ticks (Ixodidae) in regulating their feeding process

The salivary glands of the representatives of the subfamilies Ixodinae and Amblyomminae are significantly different in their structure and functions. These organs are formed of alveoli of 4 types. The alveoli of I type only are similar in structure in both subfamilies, because they provide the vapour absorbtion in hungry ticks. The cell number, ultrastructure and chemical compound of secretory inclusions as well as functional activity of alveoli of II, III, and IV types are significantly different. The similarity is observed only in cells "f" of III type, which provide the removal out an excess amount of water and salts. Granular-secretory cells are quite different in their structure and secret production. The designation the secretory cells of all ixodid ticks as "a", "b", "c", and others is rather conventional, and the homology of them in Ixodinae and Amblyomminae needs additional studies. Difference in chemical compound of saliva and intensity of its production in different period of feeding influences the direction and protective reactions of host organism.