Abstract
Cell surface saccharide composition and surface charge of promastigote (PRO) and opisthomorph (OPM) forms of Herpetomonas roitmani were analyzed using labeled lectins and flow cytometry and cell electrophoresis. The FITC signals for concanavalin A, Helix pomatia agglutinin and wheat germ agglutinin were stronger in PRO forms, whereas for Limulus polyphemus agglutinin (LPA) and Wisteria floribunda agglutinin they were stronger in OPM forms. Prior treatment of the cells with neuraminidase decreased the FITC signal for LPA in OPM but not in PRO forms. Furthermore OPMs displayed a high negative charge (-15.45+/-1.10 mV) than PROs (-9.47+/-1.01 mV). Neuraminidase and phospholipase C treatment of the parasites significantly reduced the surface charge, especially in OPM forms. TLC analysis of the acidic components of H. roitmani showed the presence of N-acetyl-neuraminic acid. The results presented in this work indicate that changes in exposed cell surface components occur between PRO and OPM forms of H. roitmani obtained by growing the cells under different conditions.
Published Version
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