title: Synchronization of Plasmodium falciparum erythrocytic stages in culture.
abstract: Synchronous development of the erythrocytic stages of a human malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, in culture was accomplished by suspending cultured parasites in 5% D-sorbitol and subsequent reintroduction into culture. Immediately after sorbitol treatment, cultures consisted mainly of single and multiple ring-form infections. At the same time, varying degrees of lysis of erythrocytes infected with the more mature stages of the parasite was evident. Approximately 95% of the parasites were in the ring stage of development at 48 and 96 hr after sorbitol treatment-likewise, a high percentage of trophozoite and schizont stages was observed at 24, 72, and 120 hr. D-Mannitol produced similar, selective, lytic effects.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D003470:Culture Media; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000469:parasitology*; D006801:Humans; D010963:Plasmodium falciparum / Q000254:growth & development*
chemical_list: D003470:Culture Media