In vivo evaluation of salivary glands toxicity of Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks (Latreille, 1806) in Wistar rats

• Grant number: 16/04536-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Effective date (Start): September 01, 2016
• Effective date (End): May 15, 2017
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Zoology - Applied Zoology
• Principal Investigator: Maria Izabel Souza Camargo
• Grantee: Gustavo Carneiro da Silva
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biociências (IB). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Rio Claro. Rio Claro , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Ticks are blood-sucking ectoparasites of great importance in the transmission of pathogens to their hosts. It is known that their salivary glands secrete various compounds, among them active molecules that have both therapeutic and toxic effects. In order to understand and evaluate the effects of long term exposure to Rhipicephalus sanguineus males ticks salivar glands extracts in vertebrates this study will determine the in vivo toxicity of these extracts (EGS) on the morphology of the female Wistar rat organs (liver, spleen and kidneys). Therefore, the salivary glands obtained from Rhipicephalus sanguineus males will be collected, macerated and the extract will be administered intraperitoneally in animals. Acute and subacute toxicity tests will be performed observing what are the behavioral reactions and what are the adverse effects on the animal systems. Additionally, blood of these animals will also be collected and be evaluated through clinical trials performed by a specialized laboratory. The organs will be analyzed using histological and immunohistochemical techniques, and hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining both in the normal situation and after exposure. The PAS (periodic acid-Schiff) technique will be used to detect possible changes of the polysaccharide levels, an important indicator of the occurrence of pathological changes in the animal system. Since today the number of studies being conducted to better understand the therapeutic side of the active molecules present in EGS is increasing, it is important to evaluate the toxicity of the extract on the animal systems.