LKR/SDH Plays Important Roles throughout the Tick Life Cycle Including a Long Starvation Period
Figure 10
Morphological changes in LKR silenced ticks.
The macrophotographs of dsLKR RNA-injected tick (above) and PBS-injected tick (below). A, Ventral aspect of dsLKR RNA-injected ticks 7 days after engorgement, Rs, rectal sac (arrow). B, Magnification of A and rectal sac of dsLKR RNA-injected ticks show significant enlargement due to filling with fluid; C and D, Dorsal and ventral aspects of dsLKR RNA-injected tick 14 days after engorgement,show edema-like condition and hernia-like protrusion of Gene's organ. Mg, midgut; Mt, Malpighian tubule, Rs, rectal sac; Go, Gene's organ; E, Ventral aspect of dsLKR RNA-injected tick 25 days after engorgement, Rs, rectal sac changed color from white to red (arrow); F to J; PBS-injected tick. F, Ventral aspect of PBS-injected tick 7 day after engorgement; G, Magnification of F and rectal sac; H, Dorsal aspect 14 days after engorgement; I, Ventral aspect 14 days after engorgement; J, tick after egg oviposition 25 days after engorgement.