title: Histopathological effects of Bacillus thuringiensis on the alimentary canal of the sheep louse, Bovicola ovis.
abstract: Sequential observations were made of the ultrastructural effects of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) subsp. kurstaki strain WB3S16 on midgut epithelial cells of the sheep biting louse, Bovicola ovis, after the lice were fed, ad libitum, a powdered preparation of Bt spores, delta-endotoxin crystals, and lysed cellular components. Light microscope observations revealed cytopathological changes to the midgut epithelial cells 4 h postfeeding. Transmission electron micrographs showed that the microvilli of the midgut epithelial cells became disrupted 4-8 h postfeeding, after which the cells became vacuolated and swollen, and the cell organelles lost definition and disappeared. Paralysis and death of B. ovis occurred between 8 and 12 h postfeeding, coincident with midgut cells lysis and release of cellular contents into the midgut lumen. The histopathological effects reported here are similar to those reported in lepidopteran and coleopteran larvae affected by the delta-endotoxin crystal proteins. The constituent fractions of the Bt preparation were tested for toxicity to B. ovis using a feeding bioassay. Native delta-endotoxin crystals were not toxic to B. ovis and remained intact in the midgut of the insect. There was no evidence that the native Bt crystal was involved in the cytopathology and death of the lice. However, in vitro solubilized delta-endotoxin crystal proteins were significantly toxic to B. ovis. In addition, a louse active toxin was associated with the Bt membranes and culture supernatant.
authors.affiliation: Department of Crop Protection, University of Adelaide, Waite Campus, Glen Osmond, South Australia, 5064, Australia.
authors.forename: C A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Hill
authors.forename: D E
authors.initials: DE
authors.lastname: Pinnock
mesh_terms: D000241:Adenosine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000032:analysis; D000818:Animals; D001413:Bacillus thuringiensis / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D001681:Biological Assay; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D004064:Digestive System; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D010713:Phosphatidylcholines / Q000032:analysis; D008003:Phthiraptera / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D012756:Sheep / Q000469:parasitology; D013400:Sugar Acids / Q000032:analysis
chemical_list: D010713:Phosphatidylcholines; D013400:Sugar Acids; C010743:lecithovitellin; C068295:thuringiensin; D000241:Adenosine