title: The Golgi complex of Trypanosoma cruzi epimastigote forms.
abstract: The distribution and morphology of the Golgi complex and endoplasmic reticulum of epimastigote forms of the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi were analysed at the ultrastructural level, after post-fixation of the cells with osmium tetroxide/potassium iodide. Intense staining was found in these structures, as well as in the nuclear envelope, showing that these compartments present a reducing environment. Positive reaction also demonstrates that intense protein synthesis occurs in the parasites which were collected at the log phase of growth. A Cis Golgi network (CGN) and an endoplasmic reticulum cistern associated with it could be clearly demonstrated. Different Golgi complex patterns were seen, suggesting that this organelle has a dynamic structure. In most cells, only peripheral cisternae directed to the endoplasmic reticulum presented an electron-dense reaction product, possibly corresponding to the cis region of the Golgi complex. Some parasites were also incubated in the presence of brefeldin-A, a drug which disorganizes the Golgi complex of several eukaryotic cells. Our results showed that T. cruzi epimastigote forms are resistant to brefeldin-A treatment, suggesting that the targets of drug action are absent in these protozoa.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ultrastructure and Cellular Biology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
authors.forename: R C
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Figueiredo
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Soares
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D020126:Brefeldin A; D002522:Chlorocebus aethiops; D003517:Cyclopentanes / Q000494:pharmacology; D006056:Golgi Apparatus / Q000187:drug effects / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D014349:Trypanosoma cruzi / Q000187:drug effects / Q000254:growth & development / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D014709:Vero Cells
chemical_list: D003517:Cyclopentanes; D020126:Brefeldin A