Stimulation of vitellogenesis by pyrethroids in mated and virgin female adults, male adults, and fourth instar females of Ornithodoros moubata (Acari: Argasidae).

The effects of several pyrethroids on vitellogenesis, i.e., vitellogenin (Vg) synthesis and ovarian development in unfed mated female adults of Ornithodoros moubata were investigated. Survival of ticks treated with pyrethrin, resmethrin, and etophenprox was very low. Ticks treated with cypermethrin (CyM), fenvalerate (Fev), and flucythrinate (Flu) survived even when high concentrations were used. Vg titer in the hemolymph of unfed mated females was the same level on day 5 and about three times higher on day 10 after treatment with CyM, Fev, and Flu, as that of engorged adult females. CyM was the most effective in inducing vitellogenesis and was further evaluated in unfed virgin females, males, and fourth instars. CyM was shown to stimulate vitellogenesis in unfed virgin females adults. Oviposition did not occur but ovaries were well developed. CyM also was shown to stimulate Vg in the hemolymph of unfed and fed adult males; however, the Vg levels were very low compared to that of engorged adult females. Extremely high concentrations of Vg were observed in the hemolymph of female nymphs (fourth instar), particularly engorged nymphs, treated with CyM (10 micrograms). No ovarian development was observed in these nymphs. Vg stimulated by CyM was shown to be immunologically and electrophoretically the same as that of normal engorged females.