Figure 1

Visualization of Cy3 labeled β-Actin dsRNA in unfed adult female Ixodes scapularis ticks: Unfed female adult ticks were injected with Cy3 labeled Actin dsRNA and kept at 37°C overnight. Unfed ticks injected with labeled dsRNA were visualized under confocal microscope. A-B: Control ticks injected with Cy3 dye; C. Cy3 labeled Actin-dsRNA readily detectable in the unfed tick after injection. Arrow indicates the Cy3 labeled dsRNA; D) Labeled dsRNA diffused and degraded after 24 hrs feeding on host. Red-dots on the lower side of the tick may have been excreted labeled dsRNA. Arrow indicates the degradation of labeled dsRNA. E) Uptake of Cy3 labeled dsRNA in the dissected salivary glands.