Entamoeba histolytica: fibrilar aggregates in dividing trophozoites

Exp Parasitol. 2008 Feb;118(2):280-4. doi: 10.1016/j.exppara.2007.08.001. Epub 2007 Aug 15.

Abstract

Entamoeba histolytica trophozoite cytokinesis is dependent upon cytoskeletal elements such as filamentous actin and myosin. Here we present confocal and transmission electron microscopy studies of this process. A sequence in the formation of the contractile ring was shown with rhodamine-phalloidine staining. Ultrastructural analysis revealed the presence of fibrilar aggregates in the cytoplasm of dividing trophozoites. Among them two filaments of different diameter were identified. These aggregates presented repeating assemblies of thin and thick filaments that in cross section revealed a muscle-like appearance. Our results suggest that these aggregates constitute the contractile ring responsible for the separation of daughter cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Actin Cytoskeleton / chemistry
  • Actin Cytoskeleton / ultrastructure*
  • Actins / analysis*
  • Animals
  • Cytokinesis
  • Cytoskeleton / chemistry
  • Cytoskeleton / ultrastructure
  • Entamoeba histolytica / chemistry
  • Entamoeba histolytica / cytology
  • Entamoeba histolytica / ultrastructure*
  • Microscopy, Confocal
  • Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
  • Myosins / analysis*
  • Trophozoites / chemistry
  • Trophozoites / cytology
  • Trophozoites / ultrastructure

Substances

  • Actins
  • Myosins