Abstract
Ultrastructural and quantitative studies were conducted to determine the in vitro effects of mannan and cytochalasin B (CB) on the transport of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and [14C]sucrose by epimastigotes of Trypanosoma cruzi (strain Y). Time-dependent changes in HRP uptake were observed in cells incubated with the actin inhibitor CB. After 60 min incubation in CB, HRP and sucrose uptakes were inhibited by 48 +/- 15.4% and 16.5 +/- 3.96%, respectively. Morphological changed included HRP reaction product on the cell surface and a reduction in the number of HRP-positive reservosomes when compared to controls. After 120 min incubation, no inhibition was measured for either molecule. However, electron microscopy revealed HRP reaction product on the surface of the cells and in the cytosol. Also, perturbation of the plasma membrane was evident, suggesting that CB compromised the integrity of the plasma membrane, allowing HRP and sucrose to diffuse into the cytosol, giving misleading quantitative results. Mannan displayed a concentration-dependent inhibitory effect on HRP uptake but had little effect on sucrose uptake. Electron microscopic analysis revealed no change in the number of reservosomes per cell but reduction in the amount of HRP in reservosomes concomitant with mannan concentration. These results suggest that T. cruzi epimastigotes transport HRP by receptor-mediated and fluid-phase pinocytosis.
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.
