Eugregarine trophozoite detachment from the host epithelium via epimerite retraction: Fiction or fact?

0336386 - BC 2010 RIV AU eng J - Journal Article
Valigurová, A. - Michalková, V. - Koudela, Břetislav
Eugregarine trophozoite detachment from the host epithelium via epimerite retraction: Fiction or fact?
International Journal for Parasitology. Roč. 39, č. 11 (2009), s. 1235-1242. ISSN 0020-7519. E-ISSN 1879-0135
R&D Projects: GA MŠMT LC522
Institutional research plan: CEZ:AV0Z60220518
Keywords : Apicomplexa * epimerite retraction * trophozoite
Subject RIV: GJ - Animal Vermins ; Diseases, Veterinary Medicine
Impact factor: 3.819, year: 2009

Eugregarines represent a diverse group of Apicomplexa parasitising numerous invertebrates. Their spotozoites generally develop into epicellular trophozoites attached to the host epithelium by a specialised attachment organelle known as an epimerite. They are considered peculiar protists due to their unique cell architecture and dimensions as well as their attachment strategy which is similar to that of cryptosporidia. 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. The trophozoite's most fragile zone is the area below the membrane fusion site at the epimerite base.
Permanent Link: http://hdl.handle.net/11104/0180628