Regeneration of limbs and sensory organs in Ixodid ticks (Acari, Ixodeidea, Ixodidae and Argasidae)

Abstract

We present a review of our own and literature data on reparative regeneration in ixodid ticks (chelicerate arthropods). Ticks have a high potential for reparative regeneration and a close relationship between regeneration and development determined by similar hormonal regulatory mechanisms. These mechanisms depend on ecdysteroid hormones, which participate in the initiation of both processes, and juvenile hormones, which direct these processes either to the maintenance of larval features or to the development of nymphal and adult features. We present a detailed analysis of the regeneration of Haller's sensory organs in ixodid ticks and propose an hypothesis about the role of juvenile hormones in the modification of morphogenetic processes in this group. Furthermore, we present data on the effects of insect juvenile hormone analogs (methoprene and fenoxycarb) on the regeneration of Haller's organ, which support this hypothesis. Studies on reparative regeneration in arthropods provide a broader view of the problem of repair morphogenesis in animals.