Eugregarine trophozoite detachment from the host epithelium via epimerite retraction: Fiction or fact?
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| Year of publication | 2009 |
| Type | Conference abstract |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| Description | Using electron and fluorescence microscopy, the fine structure of the epimerite with associated structures and the mechanism of trophozoite detachment from the host epithelium were studied in Gregarina polymorpha parasitising the intestine of Tenebrio molitor larvae. The epimerite appears to be a very dynamic structure whose shape dramatically changes depending on whether or not it is embedded into the host epithelium. FITC-phalloidin labelling demonstrated the presence of f-actin in trophozoites along with its accumulation at the epimerite base and in the protomerite apical end. IFA revealed the presence of myosin in the epimeritic cortical zone and in the membrane fusion site area. We propose a new hypothesis on the mechanism of trophozoite detachment from the host epithelium based on epimerite retraction into the protomerite. This is contrary to the commonly accepted hypothesis describing gradual epimerite constriction and separation facilitated by contractility of the membrane fusion site. |
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