The effect of citrate/cis-aconitate on oxidative metabolism during transformation of Trypanosoma brucei

Eur J Biochem. 1986 Oct 1;160(1):175-82. doi: 10.1111/j.1432-1033.1986.tb09955.x.

Abstract

Monomorphic bloodstream forms of Trypanosoma brucei, grown in the mammal, are deficient in aconitase and 2-oxoglutarate dehydrogenase and they do not respire in the presence of the substrates citrate, cis-aconitate, succinate, proline or 2-oxoglutarate. When grown in vitro low levels of aconitase, succinate oxidase and proline oxidase are detected. Addition of citrate/cis-aconitate at 37 degrees C to bloodstream forms leads to the formation of aconitase and proline oxidase. Most cells undergo an 'abortive' transformation to non-dividing procyclic-like cells while some cells adapt to the presence of the citric acid cycle intermediates and continue to multiply as bloodstream forms. At 27 degrees C and in the presence of citrate/cis-aconitate bloodstream forms transform synchronously to dividing procyclic cells. Within 72 h the rate of respiration with proline, succinate and 2-oxoglutarate becomes similar to that in established procyclic cells while the rate of glucose oxidation decreases. The possible role of citric acid cycle intermediates in determining whether a trypanosome will retain the properties of a bloodstream trypomastigote or differentiate to a procyclic trypomastigote is discussed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aconitic Acid / pharmacology*
  • Animals
  • Body Temperature
  • Citrates / pharmacology*
  • Energy Metabolism / drug effects
  • Glucose / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Oxidation-Reduction / drug effects
  • Tricarboxylic Acids / pharmacology*
  • Trypanosoma brucei brucei / drug effects*
  • Trypanosoma brucei brucei / growth & development
  • Trypanosoma brucei brucei / metabolism
  • Trypanosomiasis, African / parasitology
  • Tsetse Flies

Substances

  • Citrates
  • Tricarboxylic Acids
  • Aconitic Acid
  • Glucose