title: Fine structure and cytochemistry of the endoplasmic reticulum and its association with the plasma membrane of Leishmania mexicana amazonensis.
abstract: Promastigotes of Leishmania mexicana amazonensis possess an elaborated system of cytoplasmic membranes which is clearly visualized when the cells are fixed in a glutaraldehyde solution containing Ca++ and post-fixed in an osmium tetroxide solution containing Ca++ and potassium ferricyanide. When the parasites are incubated in a medium containing glucose-6-phosphate and lead nitrate, reaction product indicative of glucose-6-phosphatase activity is seen in the membrane system confirming that it corresponds to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). A large concentration of profiles of the ER was observed at the anterior region of the cell, close to the flagellar pocket, appearing as a 'proliferative focus'. Profiles of the ER radiate toward the periphery of the cell penetrating between the subpellicular microtubules and reaching the plasma membrane.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000648:ultrastructure; D004721:Endoplasmic Reticulum / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D006651:Histocytochemistry; D007891:Leishmania / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D008854:Microscopy, Electron