Abstract
When epimastigote forms ofTrypanosoma cruzi grown in a rich medium (LIT) are transferred to a simple, chemically defined medium (TAU3AAG, containing Ca2+, Mg2+, K+, Na+,l-proline,l-glutamate, andl-aspartate in phosphate buffer, they transform into trypomastigote forms. Morphometric analysis of transmission electron micrographs of thin sections of parasites collected at different steps of the transformation process showed that no changes occurred in the volume density of mitochondria and cytoplasmic vacuoles. However, a significant increase in the volume density of the kinetoplast DNA network as well as the lipid inclusions and a decrease in that of the reservosome (a special type of endosome) was observed. These observations suggest that during differentiation,T. cruzi accumulates lipids and uses molecules contained in the reservosome as its main energy source.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Böhringer S, Hecker H (1974) Quantitative ultrastructural differences between strains of theTrypanosoma brucei subgroup during transformation in blood. J Protozool 21:694–698
Böhringer S, Hecker H (1975) Quantitative ultrastructural investigation of the life cycle ofTrypanosoma brucei: morphometric study. J Protozool 22:463–467
Bonaldo MC, Souto-Padron T, De Souza W, Goldenberg S (1988) Cell substrate adhesion duringTrypanosoma cruzi differentiation. J Cell Biol 106:1349–1359
Brener Z (1973) Biology ofTrypanosoma cruzi. Annu Rev Microbiol 27:347–382
Bretana A, O'Daly JA (1976) Uptake of fetal proteins byTrypanosoma cruzi. Immunofluorescence and ultrastructural studies. Int J Parasitol 6:379–386
Contreras VT, Salles JM, Thomas N, Morel CM, Goldenberg S (1985) In vitro differentiation ofTrypanosoma cruzi under chemically defined conditions. Mol Biochem Parasitol 16:315–327
De Souza W (1984) Cell biology ofTrypanosoma cruzi. Int Rev Cytol 86:197–285
De Souza W (1984) Cell biology ofTrypanosoma cruzi. Int Rev Cytol 86:197–285
De Souza W, Carvalho TU, Benchimol M, Chiari E (1978)Trypanosoma cruzi: ultrastructural, cytochemical and freeze-fracture studies of protein uptake. Exp Parasitol 45:101–115
Dvorak JA, Hall TE, Crane MJ, Engel JC, McDaniel JP, Urleges R (1982)Trypanosoma cruzi: flow cytometric analysis: I. Analysis of total DNA/organism by means of mithramycin-induced fluorescence. J Protozol 29:430–437
Forbes MS, Plantholt BA, Sperelakis N (1977) Cytochemical staining procedures selective for sarcotubular systems of muscle: modifications and applications. J Ultrastruct Res 60:306–327
Goldenberg S, Contreras VT, Bonaldo MC, Salles JM, Lima Franco MPA, Lafaille J, Gonzales-Perdomo M, Lins J, Morel CM (1987) In vitro differentiating systems for the study of differential gene expression duringTrypanosoma cruzi development. In: Molecular strategies of parasitic invasion. Alan & Liss, New York, pp 203–212
Gutteridge WE, Rogerson GW (1979) Biochemical aspects of the biology ofTrypanosoma cruzi. In: Lumsden WHR, Evans DA (eds) Biology of Kinetoplastida, Vol 2. Academic Press, London New York, pp 619–652
Soares MJ, De Souza W (1987) Ultrastructural visualization of lipids in trypanosomatids. J Protozool 34:199–203
Soares MJ, De Souza W (1988) Cytoplasmic organelles of trypanosomatids: a cytochemical and stereological study. J Submicrosc Cytol Pathol 20:349–363
Weibel ER (1969) Stereological principles for morphometry in electron microscopic cytology. Int Rev Cytol 26:235–302
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Soares, M.J., Souto-Padrón, T., Bonaldo, M.C. et al. A stereological study of the differentiation process inTrypanosoma cruzi . Parasitol Res 75, 522–527 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00931160
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00931160