Electron Microscopy of Intracellular Protozoa

Abstract

We performed immunoelectron microscopy to investigate the distribution of malarial antigens in the various stages of malaria parasites. Monoclonal antibodies, which recognize different epitopes of the Plasmodium yoelii Circumsporozoite protein, reacted with the surface of oocyst and salivary gland sporozoites. However, a small percentage of developing oocysts did not express CS antigen on the surface of sporoblasts or sporozoites. These sporozoites were still capable of completing development and invading salivary glands. Their presence may explain in part the failure of CS vaccines to completely protect immunized animals against challenge. The non-CS antigen did not become abundant until late in sporogony. The Non-CS protein was most abundant within the cytoplasm and micronemes, although non-CS protein was also seen on the sporozoite surface. Keywords: Immunoelectron microscopy; Malarial parasites; Non-CS proteins; Sporozoites; EE stages; Dense granules; Merozoite invasion; RAI.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 15, 1989
Accession Number
ADA219219

Entities

People

  • Masamichi Aikawa

Organizations

  • Case Western Reserve University

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Animals
  • Biological Sciences
  • Biology
  • Blood
  • Cell Membrane
  • Cells
  • Cellular Structures
  • Chemistry
  • Cytoplasm
  • Electron Microscopy
  • Health Services
  • Lymphocytes
  • Malaria
  • Microscopy
  • Salivary Glands
  • Spores
  • Vaccines

Fields of Study

  • Biology

Readers

  • Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry
  • Parasitology and Pharmacology of Malaria.

Technology Areas

  • Biotechnology
  • Microelectronics