Premature release of Plasmodium falciparum from swollen erythrocytes induced by some antimalarials.
Qinghaosu and chloroquine, but not pyrimethamine, treatment of Plasmodium falciparum cultures resulted in the formation of swollen red blood cells (RBCs) and the expulsion of degenerate trophozoites and schizonts, but not ring-stage parasites, from the infected RBCs. The parasite release resulted in the formation of RBCs with holes, that had otherwise retained their structural integrity. Membranes of swollen RBCs and their ghosts associated with parasites were efficiently visualized by Giemsa staining of thin smears for 18-24 hr but not by standard Giemsa staining for 20 min.
Gu
H M
HM
Department of Microbiology, Dartmouth Medical School, Hanover, New Hampshire 03756.
Inselburg
J
J
D000818:Animals; D000962:Antimalarials / Q000494:pharmacology*; D037621:Artemisinins; D001399:Azure Stains; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D002738:Chloroquine / Q000494:pharmacology; D004910:Erythrocyte Membrane / Q000187:drug effects; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000469:parasitology*; D010963:Plasmodium falciparum / Q000187:drug effects*; D011739:Pyrimethamine / Q000494:pharmacology; D012717:Sesquiterpenes / Q000494:pharmacology
D000962:Antimalarials; D037621:Artemisinins; D001399:Azure Stains; D012717:Sesquiterpenes; D002738:Chloroquine; C031327:artemisinin; D011739:Pyrimethamine