Transmission and scanning electron microscopic studies of the micronemata of Trypanosoma gambiense.
The structure of micronemata arising from the surface of the bloodstream form of Trypanosoma gambiense was studied by electron microscopy. In order to produce micronemata, trypanosomes were incubated in either 1) phosphate buffered saline supplemented with glucose (PBSG), 2) immune mouse serum or 3) PBSG after passage through a DEAE-cellulose column. Electron microscopic examination of the parasite revealed the presence of thread-like micronemata arising from the anterior end and from the flagellar pocket regardless of the incubation conditions. Negative staining revealed a distinct peripheral fringe layer with nodular protrusions covering the entire surface of the micronema. The distribution and number of intramembrane particles (IMP) on the P and E faces of the micronema were similar to those of the flagellum of T. gambiense, indicating a close relationship between the membrane structure of the micronema and the flagellum. Micronemata became fragmented and adhered to each other after incubation of the parasite in the media for 12 h. Since micronemata tend to have the characteristics of adhesiveness and fragmentation, fragments of these structures might adhere to various host organs. Dispersal of potential antigenic material might be responsible, in part, for the induction of the host immune response.
D000268:Adhesiveness; D000818:Animals; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000648:ultrastructure; D005407:Flagella / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D011554:Pseudopodia / Q000648:ultrastructure; D014347:Trypanosoma brucei gambiense / Q000502:physiology / Q000648:ultrastructure*