The role of the cytoskeleton in the motility of coccidian sporozoites

摘要: The sporozoites of Eimeria tenella and acervulina show bending, pivoting gliding motility. All these types motility occur intermittently with decreasing frequency during the life a sporozoite. Gliding is only locomotive action expressed by seen when are in contact substratum. adopt set pattern body ‘attitudes’, which suggests that locomotion involves fixed shape. microtubule inhibitors, colchicine, griseofulvin, vinblastine sulphate nocodazole, have no effect on sporozoite Ultrastructural examination reveals, addition, they subpellicular microtubules. microfilament inhibitor, cytochalasin B, completely, reversibly, inhibits but bending slightly depressed drug. High magnesium ion concentration all completely. cell membrane was readily labelled fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated cationized ferritin, label rapidly capped shed from posterior This capping reaction takes place locomotion. to ‘move’ backwards realtive at same rate as moved forwards relative substratum leading edge cap remained static each other. Both sensitive low temperature B. From results theory postulated. adhere surface ligands. ligand/substratum complex then along spiral microfilament-based contractile system. proposed model for coccidia consistent current observations invasion sporozoa therefore an integral component host this group parasites.