Abstract
Cyclic nucleotide signalling through cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) is thought to play an important role in the transformation of the long slender (dividing) form to the short-stumpy (arrested) form in the mammalian bloodstream but the role of cyclic nucleotides in the tsetse-based part of the trypanosome life cycle is unknown. In a series of in vivo experiments, it was found that cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) but not cAMP could induce significantly higher rates of midgut infection in tsetse. Continuous feeding of either cGMP or cAMP to tsetse had no effect on rates of maturation of established midgut infections suggesting that these two parts of the life cycle in tsetse are not linked.
Highlights
The short stumpy form of the trypanosome is thought to be pre-adapted to life in the tsetse fly, the long slender form maturing into the short stumpy form once a certain density of infection is reached in the mammalian host [1]
Similar processes happen in the tsetse fly with trypanosomes going through several transformations, starting in the midgut of the fly as bloodstream forms, they transform to procyclic forms before terminal differentiation into mammalian infective forms in the salivary glands (Trypanosoma brucei s.l.) or mouthparts (Trypanosoma congolense)
A link between cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cell cycle signalling in the trypanosome life-cycle was suggested by addition of cAMP analogues in vitro which promoted the long slender dividing stage to form non-dividing short stumpy forms [2]
Summary
The short stumpy form of the trypanosome is thought to be pre-adapted to life in the tsetse fly, the long slender form maturing into the short stumpy form once a certain density of infection is reached in the mammalian host [1]. To examine the effects of cyclic nucleotides on the maturation of trypanosomes, all flies received a bloodmeal containing 100 μM 8-Br-cGMP and were either fed 100 μM 8-cAMP or 100 μM 8-Br-cGMP from the second feed onwards.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
