Na, K-ATPase in the salivary gland of the ixodid tick Amblyomma hebraeum (Koch) and its relation to the process of fluid secretion.

Total and ouabain-sensitive ATPase activities were determined in the salivary glands of ticks throughout the feeding cycle. Activities were very low in unfed specimens. In the glands of feeding females, the activities rose until a maximum was reached for both ATPase components at approximately 200 mg. The activities remain low in males throughout the feeding period. These findings are discussed in relation to the fluid secretory process of the salivary glands.