Morphological characterization of the nymphs Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks (Latreille, 1806) (Acari: Ixodidae). Description of the testes, integument, Malpighian tubules, and midgut on the detachment day

This study presents the morpho-histological and histochemical characterization of the testes, integument, Malpighian tubules, and midgut of engorged Rhipicephalus sanguineus nymphs on the detachment day, showing the morphological and physiological characteristics to this phase in the life cycle of these individuals. The testis is constituted by germinative cells (only spermatogonia) with large, round-shaped and strongly stained nuclei which are organized into cysts by a thin layer of somatic cells. The integument consists of a cuticle subdivided into epicuticle (lipoprotein) and procuticle (glycoproteic), and a layer of epithelial cells which present glycolipoprotein elements. The procuticle presents two distinct regions: the exocuticle (next to the epicuticle) and the endocuticle (next to the epithelial layer). The Malpighian tubules present a simple epithelium with small flat and/or cubic cells, which form its wall and delimitates a lumen full of lipoprotein material. The midgut consists of an epithelial wall formed by two types of digestive cells, spent cells and empty digest cells, and by generative cells supported by a basal lamina and a thin layer of muscular tissue. This study described the main organs of engorged nymphs of R. sanguineus, to generate information that can help researchers to better understand the biology of these ectoparasites; which is fundamental for the development of compounds that are less aggressive to the environment. In addition, if the immature stages of the ticks are controlled, the number of adult ticks able to cause damages to the animals--and to the man as well--is also under control.     

Inhibitory action of neem aqueous extract (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) on the vitellogenesis of Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Latreille, 1806) (Acari: Ixodidae) ticks

The present study revealed unheard of data about the action of aqueous extracts of neem leaves (Azadirachta indica) on the vitellogenesis of Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks, proving that these extracts in 10 and 20% concentrations do not have the potential to kill the females; however, in lower concentrations (10%) provokes great morphological alterations in germinative cells such as the emergence of extended cytoplasmic vacuolization areas as well as the fragmentation of the germinal vesicle, even in those oocytes which were in initial stages of development (I-III), showing that neem is a potent agent which acts impeding one of the main metabolic stages of the ticks, i.e., the reproduction. In oocytes in final stages of development (IV-V) azadirachtin (neem's active principle) caused significant reduction in the size and quantity of proteic granules of the yolk and the inversion of their localization where the smaller granules before inside the cell (normal oocyte) were posteriorly observed in the periphery, and the bigger ones in the central region. Thus, the study showed that the alterations found both in the oocytes and in the pedicel cells indicated that azadirachtin acts on the process of tick's reproduction and signalizes that this plant can be used in the future to control ticks with the advantage of not being aggressive to nontarget organism or the environment. Furthermore, data here obtained showed that the most significant efficiency of the aqueous extract of neem is related to the concentration of 10%, proving that higher doses would not be so efficient.     

Action of andiroba oil (Carapa guianensis) on Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Latreille, 1806) (Acari: Ixodidae) semi‐engorged females: Morphophysiological evaluation of reproductive system

Because of the increasing medical‐veterinary importance of ticks, the development of alternative control methods, less aggressive to the host and the environment has become the target of several researches. In this sense, the present study analyzed the action of different concentrations (5, 10, and 20%) of andiroba seed oil (Carapa guianensis) on the reproductive system of Rhipicephalus sanguineus females, through histochemical techniques and the quantification of the reproductive efficiency index. The results showed that andiroba oil is a potent natural agent, able to cause several changes in the oocytes of this species, impairing the reproductive success, once this natural product induces great physiological changes in the oocytes in all development stages, such as drastic reduction in proteins, polysaccharides, and lipids in these cells, and these components are essential for the viability of the embryo. In addition, it was observed that this product stimulate the oviposition, mainly at the concentration of 20%. This higher production of eggs represents a defense mechanism developed by the organism in order to ensure the reproductive success of the species, even in the presence of the toxic agent. However, the results obtained suggested that the laid eggs would not be viable, due to the great changes undergone by the oocytes. Thus, the present study showed that the use of this vegetal product would be an alternative way to control the ticks, bringing benefits similar to the ones obtained through the use of synthetic acaricides; however, with less damage to nontarget organisms and the environment as well. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

The bioactive compound carvacrol as a potential acaricide: An assessment of its effects on the integument of female Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato ticks

Studies seeking control methods for infestation of Riphicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (s.l.) ticks (dog ticks) have been carried out in order to minimize damage to both the tick's hosts and the environment, the latter due to the misuse of acaricide products. In this regard, carvacrol has been used as a natural alternative against ticks as it displays several properties including acaricidal. In this context, the present study aimed to evaluate the ultramorphology and morphohistochemistry of the integument of semi-engorged R. sanguineus s.l. females exposed to different carvacrol concentrations. The findings indicate that the integument surface of females exposed to the highest carvacrol concentration (25 μl/ml) became wrinkled, suggesting dehydration or the result of integument cuticular and epithelial layer disorganization in response to the toxic product. Morphohistochemical integument layer alterations were more significant and intense in females exposed to the highest carvacrol concentration (25 μl/ml), confirming dose-dependent carvacrol action. Among other cell and tissue alterations, changes in epithelial cell shape, size, and arrangement (epidermal layer) were noted, alongside altered and pyknotic-shaped nuclei, suggesting a death process for these cells. This epithelium changed from simple cubic to stratified, also in response to the presence of the evaluated bioactive compound. Thus, the findings reported herein demonstrate that carvacrol may be an alternative for an efficient and more sustainable tick control in the near future.     

Cytotoxic effects of extract of Acmella oleraceae (Jambú) in Rhipicephalus microplus females ticks

The present study analyzed the effects of different concentrations of the hexane extract of A. oleraceae (HEAO) (Jambú) on the germ cells of semi‐engorged Rhipicephalus microplus female ticks, through a morpho‐histological study, evaluating the effectiveness of the extract in the genesis of the individuals. To perform this analysis, 100 semi‐engorged females were divided into five groups with 20 individuals each: groups I and II, respectively constituted by distilled water control and 50% ethanol + 1% DMSO, and groups III, IV, and V constituted by treatment with HEAO in the concentrations of 12.5, 25.0 and 50.0 mg/mL, respectively. All the ticks were immersed in the different concentrations of the extract or in distilled water for 5 minutes, dried and conditioned in BOD incubator for 7 days. The individuals of the treatment groups revealed the action of this extract showing alterations in the germ cells of the females from the different groups when compared with those from the groups I and II (control groups). These alterations were mainly related to the size and shape of the oocytes; number of yolk granules; presence, number, size and location of vacuoles in the cytoplasm of all the germ cells; and the presence of nuclear alterations in these cells as well. Thus, it was demonstrated that the concentrations of HEAO affected the germ cells of R. microplus ticks. The effects of the extract are similar to those caused by renowned and efficient chemical products used to control these ticks. Microsc. Res. Tech. 79:744–753, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Synthesis and characterisation of antioxidant‐modified esters of dipentaerythritol as lubricating base oil

In this paper, five antioxidant‐modified esters were synthesised through two steps of simple esterification. Antioxidant‐modified multi‐hydroxyl compound was synthesised at the first step, and antioxidant‐modified esters were synthesised at the second step. This kind of esters is useful in many fields, such as lubricating oil and cutting compound, because of two important functions (antioxidant and lubricant) in the same compound. The active antioxidant group attached to these esters was 3‐(3,5‐di‐tert‐butyl‐4‐hydroxy‐phenyl)‐propionic acid. The esters were characterised with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermogravimetric (TG) analysis. The analytical results of FTIR demonstrates the changes of alcoholic hydroxyl and carboxyl and suggests that this synthesis was feasible. The TG analysis and rotating pressure vessel method show that this kind of esters has excellent oxidative stability. The physical properties of lubricating base oil, such as viscosity, viscosity index, pour point and flash point, suggested that this kind of esters can be used as lubricating base oil. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Morphological alterations in the synganglion and integument of Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks exposed to aqueous extracts of neem leaves (Azadirachta indica A. JUSS)

Currently, the necessity of controlling infestation by ticks, especially by Rhipicephalus sanguineus, has led researchers and public health managers around the world to search for new and more efficient control methods. This way, we can highlight neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) leaf, bark, and seed extracts, which have been very effective on tick control, and moreover causing less damage to the environment and to the host. This study showed the potential of neem as a control method for R. sanguineus through morphological and morphometric evaluation of the integument and synganglion of females, in semiengorged stage. To attain this, routine techniques of optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and morphometry of the cuticle and subcuticle of the integument were applied. Expressive morphological alterations were observed in both organs, presenting a dose‐dependent effect. Integument epithelial cells and nerve cells of the synganglion showed signs of cell vacuolation, dilated intercellular boundaries, and cellular disorganization, alterations not previously reported in studies with neem. In addition, variations in subcuticle thickness were also observed. In general, the effects of neem are multiple, and affect the morphology and physiology of target animals in various ways. The results presented in this work are the first evidence of its effects in the coating and nervous system of ticks, thus allowing an indication of neem aqueous extracts as a potential control method of the brown dog tick and opening new perspectives on acaricide use. Microsc. Res. Tech. 77:989–998, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

General morphology and ultrastructure of the female reproductive apparatus of Trichomalopsis shirakii crawford (Hymenoptera,Pteromalidae)

The morphology and ultrastructure of the female reproductive system were examined for a larval–pupal parasitoid Trichomalopsis shirakii Crawford of Oulema oryzae Kuwayama using light and electron microscopes. The reproductive system includes two ovaries, two pairs of accessory glands, an unbranched venom gland, a large venom reservoir and a Dufour gland. Each ovariole contains follicles and oocytes at different stages of maturation. A fibrous layer covers the surface of mature egg. The accessory glands are made up of a layer of secretory cells surrounded by muscle fibers. In these secretory cells, numerous mitochondria, electron‐dense secretory granules and vesicles filled with dense granular particles are present. These granular particles appear as virus‐like particles (VLPs). The venom gland consists of a single layer of secretory cells which are organelle rich with abundant rough endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria and vesicular organelles, a layer of duct cells and an inner intima. The reservoir consists of a muscular sheath, epidermal cells with few organelles and an intima layer. The Dufour gland has a relatively large lumen surrounded by a single layer of columnar epithelial cells which are characterized by clusters of smooth endoplasmic reticulum and lipid droplets. Aside from the venom, the fibrous layer coating the egg and the granular particles which may be VLPs have been discovered in our study. They may serve as one of the parasitoid‐associated factors in their host–parasitoid relationship and play a role in host immune suppression. Microsc. Res. Tech. 79:625–636, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Ultrastructural characterization of apoptotic granulosa cells in caprine ovary

The unique phenomenon of cell proliferation and apoptosis is encountered in the ovarian follicles undergoing early stages of atresia. The aim of this study was to verify the morphological variations in these two physiologically distinct processes operating in antral follicles of caprine ovaries using histological and ultrastructural techniques. Histologically the degenerating granulosa cells were characterized by condensed cytoplasm, and nucleus fragmentation in hazy cytosol. The pyknotic nuclei of degenerating cells stained darkly with haematoxylin and giemsa while the cytoplasm was eosinophilic. Under electron microscopy, apoptosis was marked by asymmetrical shrinkage, vacuolization of cytoplasm, swollen and vacuolated mitochondria, increased irregularity and/or fragmentation of nucleus, chromatin condensation and finally, production of membrane enclosed nuclear fragments containing intracellular material, the apoptotic bodies. The parallel use of these two methods on caprine ovaries has enabled us to analyse the decline in the frequency of granulosa cells during follicular atresia due to apoptosis.     

Exergy efficiency and irreversibility comparison of R22, R134a, R290 and R407C to replace R22 in an air conditioning system

This work presents an experimental comparison of exergy efficiency (EE), irreversibility at the process 1–2 (evaporator exit to compressor inlet), 2–3 (compressor inlet to condenser inlet), 3–4 (condenser inlet to expansion valve inlet), 4–5 (expansion valve inlet to evaporator inlet) and 5–1 (evaporator), and coefficient of performance (COP) of R22, and its substitutes R134a, R290 and R407C in vapor compression refrigeration system (VCRS) of an air conditioner. In addition, the effects of air temperature in the freezer with reference to environment states on irreversibility and EE have been investigated. At ?18°C air temperature in the freezer, 33°C reference environment state and 42% relative humidity refrigerants R22 and its substitutes R134a, R290 and R407C VCRSs the total irreversibilities are 665.7, 753.5, 582.1 and 677 W, and EEs are 22.9, 14.2, 26.5 and 20.6%, respectively. The refrigerant R290 is the best performer among candidate refrigerants but it suffers from flammability. Thus, R407C can considerably be used to replace R22.     

Degenerative process and cell death in salivary glands of Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Latreille, 1806) (Acari: Ixodidae) semi-engorged female exposed to the acaricide permethrin

Ticks are ectoparasites of great medical and veterinary importance around the world and synthetic chemicals such as permethrin have been used for their control. This study provides a cytochemistry analysis of both degenerative and cell death processes in salivary glands of the brown dog tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus semi-engorged females exposed to 206, 1,031, and 2,062 ppm of permethrin. The results presented herein demonstrate that permethrin is a potent chemical acaricide that would act on the glandular tissue's morphophysiology in this tick species by eliciting severe changes in the acinus shape, intense vacuolation of the acinar cells' cytoplasm, marked glandular tissue disorganization, culminating in an advanced degenerative stage with consequent formation of many apoptotic bodies (cell death). In addition, permethrin induced major changes in the acinar cells' nucleus, such as a change both in its shape and size, chromatin marginalization, nuclear fragmentation, and appearance of picnotic nuclei, especially when the highest concentrations of the product were used. Thus, permethrin induced early degeneration of this tissue characterized by significant changes in the structure of acinar cells and production of enzymes related to the cell death process, in addition to interfering directly in the genetic material of these cells.     

Effect of the Lipophilic <i>o</i>-Naphthoquinone CG 10-248 on Rat Liver Mitochondria Structure and Function

CG 10-248 (3,4-dihydro-2,2 dimethyl-9-chloro-2H-naphtho[1,2b]pyran-5,6-dione), a ß-lapachone analogue, modified the ultrastructure of rat liver mitochondria in vitro, in the absence of added oxidizable substrates. The condensed mitochondrial state was replaced by the orthodox or swollen state to a significant degree. The number of modified mitochondria depended on incubation time and quinone concentration, in the 25-100 µM range. Under the same experimental conditions, mitochondrial respiration was uncoupled as indicated by the increase in the rate of succinate oxidation by controlled mitochondria in metabolic state “4” (not in state “3”), and by the activation of latent F₀ F₁ -ATP synthase. Taking into account structural similarities, the results reported here may be valid for other o-naphthoquinones, such as ß-lapachone.     

Fine structures of wing scales in Sasakia charonda butterflies as photonic crystals

We investigate the microstructure of scales in the wings of male Sasakia charonda charonda butterflies by scanning electron microscopy with the aid of optical microscopy. Six types of scales are identified: B1, W1 and R1 in brown background yellow spots and red spots, respectively; B2 in iridescent purple-blue and W2 in white pearl, both of which characterize the male and B3 in the wing edges. The B1, W1 and R1 scales are almost the same in structure and the B2 and W2 scales are almost the same. The difference among the B, W and R scales is in species and content of pigment. The B1, W1 and R1 scales have only two layers of cuticle lapped on the ridges. In contrast with them, the B2 and W2 scales have seven multilayers of cuticle piled on the ridge. The multiple interference of light that occurs among these cuticle layers, spaced with air layers, generates the significant iridescence of the B2 and W2 scales. Thus, the characteristic purple-blue of the male wings is ascribed to the combination of the structural and chemical colouration in the B2 scales with melanin. The photonic crystals of these scales may be applicable to fine light manipulators such as reflection elements in laser diodes. B3 has many holes between the ridges and no multilayers of cuticle on the ridges. These structures may play any role in aerodynamically easy flight and/or in drainage of wet wings.     

Kidney injury and cell therapy: Preclinical study

The aim of this study is to show histological and immunofluorescence analysis of renal parenchyma of agoutis affected by gentamicin‐induced renal disease after the infusion of bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMC) stained with Hoechst®. Nine agouti's males were divided into three groups: Test group (TG): renal disease by gentamicin induced (n = 3), cell therapy group (CTG): renal disease by gentamicin induced and BMMC infusion (n = 3), and control group (CG): nonrenal disease and BMMC infusion (n = 3). TG and CTG were submitted to the protocol of renal disease induction using weekly application of gentamicin sulfate for 4 months. CG and CTG received a 1 × 108 BMMC stained with Hoechst and were euthanized for kidney examination 21 days after BMMC injection and samples were collected for histology and immunofluorescence analysis. Histological analysis demonstrated typical interstitial lesions in kidney similarly to human disease, as tubular necrosis, glomerular destruction, atrophy tubular, fibrotic areas, and collagen deposition. We conclude that histological analysis suggest a positive application of agouti's as a model for a gentamicin inducing of kidney disease, beyond the immunofluorescence analysis suggest a significant migration of BMMC to sites of renal injury in CTG. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Chronic alcohol consumption promotes alterations on salivary gland regeneration process

The aim of this study is to investigate the histological effect of alcohol ingestion on the regeneration of the submandibular gland (SMG) in rats. Twelve 60‐day‐old male Wistar rats were randomized into two experimental groups. Test group (TG) animals ingested 40° GL of alcohol for 45 days before surgery, being its concentration gradually increased 10° GL/week for 4 weeks to achieve the final concentration of 40° GL. The control group (CG) received water during the whole experimental period. One‐third of the left SMG lobe was removed. Three and seven days after, the whole gland was excised and analyzed. In the TG, the inflammatory process was pronounced when comparing the CG on day 3. The inverse aspect was observed on day 7, associated with an advanced parenchyma development. Changes in laminin expression and glycoproteins production were observed in the TG, causing advanced morphogenesis and delay in cytodifferentiation during the salivary gland regeneration, probably due to alcohol effects. Animals who received ethanol showed alterations in the pattern of glandular regeneration. Microsc. Res. Tech. 76:1125–1130, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Performance studies of multilayer hard surface coatings (TiN/TiCN/Al2O3/TiN) of indexable carbide inserts in hard machining: Part-I (An experimental approach)

In recent years, hard machining using CBN and ceramic inserts became an emerging technology than traditional grinding and widely used manufacturing processes. However the relatively high cost factors associated with such tools has left a space to look for relatively low cost cutting tool materials to perform in an acceptable range. Multilayer coated carbide insert is the proposed alternative in the present study due to its low cost. Thus, an attempt has been made to have an extensive study on the machinability aspects such as flank wear, chip morphology, surface roughness in finish hard turning of AISI 4340 steel (HRC 47 ± 1) using multilayer coated carbide (TiN/TiCN/Al₂O₃/TiN) insert under dry environment. Parametric influences on turning forces are also analyzed. From the machinability study, abrasion and chipping are found to be the dominant wear mechanism in hard turning. Multilayer TiN coated carbide inserts produced better surface quality and within recommendable range of 1.6 μm i.e. comparable with cylindrical grinding. At extreme parametric conditions, the growth of tool wear was observed to be rapid thus surface quality affected adversely. The chip morphology study reveals a more favorable machining environment in dry machining using TiN coated carbide inserts. The cutting speed and feed are found to have the significant effect on the tool wear and surface roughness from ANOVA study. It is evident that, thrust force (Fy) is the largest component followed by tangential force (Fz) and the feed force (Fx) in finish hard turning. The observations yield the machining ability of multilayer TiN coated carbide inserts in hard turning of AISI 4340 steel even at higher cutting speeds.     

Apoptogenic effect of the lipophilic <i>o</i>-naphthoquinone CG 10-248 on rat hepatocytes: light and electron microscopy studies

CG 10-248 (3,4-dihydro-2,2-dimethyl-9-chloro-2H-naphtho[1,2b]pyran- 5,6-dione; CG-NQ), a β-lapachone analogue, modified the ultrastructure of rat hepatocytes, as demonstrated by light and electron microscopy. After 4 h incubation with 100 µM CG-NQ, the following effects were observed: (a) nuclear chromatin condensation; (b) chromatin fragmentation; (c) displacement of mitochondria, concentrated around the nucleus; (d) disruption or expansion of mitochondrial outer or inner membranes, respectively; (e) displacement and alteration of endoplasmic reticulum (rough and smooth); (f) decrease of microvilli; (g) blebbing of plasma membrane and production of apoptotic bodies formed by folding of plasma membrane fragments around mitochondria or peroxysomes; and (h) production of hydrogen peroxide. Expression of such effects varied according to hepatocyte samples and taken together strongly support an apoptotic action of CG-NQ dependent on “reactive oxygen species”.     

碳化硅陶瓷的超声振动辅助磨削

采用普通磨削方式和超声振动辅助磨削方式对无压烧结SiC材料进行了磨削工艺实验,对不同磨削方式下磨削参数对磨削力比、表面损伤及亚表面损伤的影响进行了对比研究,并分析了超声振动磨削作用机制。实验结果显示,该实验中SiC材料去除主要以脆性去除为主,砂轮磨削力比随着磨削深度和进给速度的增加缓慢增加,随着主轴转速的增加略有减小;普通磨削时SiC工件亚表面损伤深度随着磨削深度、进给速度增加逐渐增加,而超声振动辅助磨削变化较小。与普通磨削相比,在相同的磨削参数下,超声振动辅助磨削的高频冲击使材料破碎断裂情况得到改善,且磨削力比减小近1/3,表面裂纹、SiC晶粒脱落、剥落等表面损伤较少,表面损伤层较浅,亚表面裂纹数量及深度都有较大程度降低,可以获得较为理想的表面质量。     

Behavior of graft and host cells in underlying subchondral bone after transplantation of osteochondral autograft

Transplantation of osteochondral autograft is widely used as a therapeutic strategy for the defect of articular cartilage. In the repair process, although underlying subchondral bone becomes necrotic and then is followed by bone reconstruction, the fate of graft and host cells during remodeling of underlying subchondral bone has not been elucidated. The objectives of this study were to establish a method to follow graft and host cells after transplantation of osteochondral autograft, and to elucidate the fate of both graft and host cells during remodeling of underlying subchondral bone. For these purposes, autologous transplantation models employing transgenic rats and wild-type rats, which were genetically identical to each other except for transgenes, were used. Two transplantation models were designed so that either the graft or the host cells had transgenes. Model I: transgenic rats were the donor, and wild-type rats were the recipient; model II: conversely, wild-type rats were the donor, and transgenic rats were the recipient. The grafted bone marrow cells and osteocytes in the trabeculae survived in the graft at 3 weeks after transplantation. Invasion of the host bone marrow cells into the graft was also found. Thus, bone marrow cells in the host as well as both bone marrow cells and osteocytes in the graft could potentially participate in the remodeling of underlying subchondral bone. Furthermore, the interface between graft and host was consisted with both graft and host derived cells. Since new bone formation was found in this space, both graft and host cells could have the potential to contribute to remodeling of underlying subchondral bone. The two models of the transplantations using the transgenic rats were found to be beneficial in following graft cells as well as host cells and in understanding their function on healing after autologous transplantation.     

The effects of neem oil (Azadirachta indica A. JUSS) enriched with different concentrations of azadirachtin on the integument of semi‐engorged Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (Acari: Ixodidae) females

Several studies searching for methods to control Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l., (dog tick) infestations have been developed aiming to minimize the damages caused by these ectoparasites to the hosts and the environment, which is harmed by the indiscriminate use of toxic acaricide products. In this scenario, neem oil has been used as a natural alternative against ticks, once this chemical has repellent properties and interferes in the growth regulation of these ectoparasites, inhibiting ecdysis. The present study evaluated the effects of azadirachtin‐enriched neem oil on the integument of semi‐engorged R.sanguineus s.l., females through morphohistological techniques. The results showed the occurrence of significant morphological and histochemical alterations, mainly in the females exposed to higher concentrations, which demonstrates the dose‐dependent action of the chemical. A decrease in the cuticle thickness was observed, as well as a modification in the distribution of the epithelial cells, which displayed pyknotic and fragmented nuclei, and intensely vacuolated cytoplasm, indicating that these cells would be undergoing death processes. These morphological alterations observed in the integument of the females exposed to the azadirachtin‐enriched neem oil encourage the use of this chemical as a strategy to control these ectoparasites.