Light and electron microscopic study of the bacterial adhesion to termite flagellates applying lectin cytochemistry

摘要: Many of the flagellates inhabiting hindgut lower termites are associated with ectobiotic, rod-like bacteria or spirochetes. Different types attachment sites present. Electron dense material underlies, e.g., plasma membrane ofJoenia annectens at contact site, whereas other do not show any visible specializations. The host cell's glycocalyx may, however, be reduced as it is case inDevescovina glabra. thick ofStephanonympha nelumbium changed where bacterial rods attach, but spirochetes penetrate to a certain extent. Bacteria which colonize extracellular surface structures ofMicrorhopalodina multinucleata express their own mediate contact. In this study we focussed on examination one common mode interaction between and cells, i.e., adhesion via lectins sugars. sugar composition was analysed by light electron microscopic labelling experiments using Con A, WGA SBA. general, only posterior body colonized labelled. demonstrated sugars found in fibrous portions surrounding bacteria. Such fibres combination supporting seem prerequisites for attachment. InD. glabra, role mediating could demonstrated. Removal ectobiotes antibiotics revealed that specialized present absence thus possibly serve attract Nothing, remains former bacteria-freeDevescovina cells. Attachment induced There general mechanism termite flagellates; rather, seems follow different strategies.