Ultrastructure of the ookinetes of Haemoproteus meleagridis (Haemosporina: Haemoproteidae).
Ookinetes of Haemoproteus meleagridis were structurally similar to kinetes of other apicomplexan parasites and possessed a polar ring complex (PRC) composed of an electron-lucent polar ring with 25 supporting tines. Fifty subpellicular microtubules were anchored in a circle to the inner surface of the polar ring. A bilayered electron-dense canopy was continuous with the inner layer of the pellicle and formed a caplike cover over the PRC. Embedded rings of actin-sized microfilaments completely encircled each layer of the canopy. Numerous micronemes, 2 smaller preconoidal rings, and a conoid composed of approximately 6 spirally wound, electron-dense tubules were also present. Other organelles were similar to those reported in previous studies of haemosporidian ookinetes. Mature ookinetes of H. meleagridis developed in the midguts of engorged specimens of Culicoides edeni (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) within 24 hr after a blood meal. Most parasites were found beneath, or embedded within, a peritrophic membrane composed of fine granules and fibrils. The observation of actin-sized microfilaments within the canopy is a previously unrecognized modification of the pellicle that probably supports the anterior end of ookinetes during penetration of the peritrophic membrane.
Atkinson
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Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville 32610.
D000818:Animals; D016782:Apicomplexa / Q000254:growth & development / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D014422:Turkeys / Q000469:parasitology; D015053:Zygote / Q000648:ultrastructure