Chemical Composition of the Coxal Fluid of the Argasid Tick Ornithodoros Savignyi1

Abstract

A study was made of the chemical composition of the coxal fluid of the argasid tick Ornithodoros savignyi . The main compounds determined were certain electrolytes, amino acids, proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates and lipids. In addition the electrolyte content of the hemolymph was measured. Substantial amounts of sodium, potassium, chloride and bicarbonate were eliminated by the coxal glands, whereas small quantities of calcium, magnesium and phosphates were eliminated. In the hemolymph, these electrolytes occurred in a ratio different from that in the coxal fluid. Several amino acids were detected in the coxal fluid. In contrast to the amino acids, protein and certain other non-protcin nitrogenous compounds were eliminated in comparatively large quantities. Lipids of all classeswere likewise eliminated in the coxal fluid, although to varied extents with phospholipids constituting the major portion. Of the carbohydrates studied, only glucose was eliminated in substantial quantities. Of particular interest was the detection of a small amount of sucrose. The present study confirms that the coxal organs are osmoregulatory organs which eliminate a wide range of compounds.