title: Effect of low temperature on the in vitro growth of Plasmodium falciparum.
abstract: The effect of low incubation temperature on synchronized cultures of Plasmodium falciparum was studied. Young trophozoites that were maintained at 28 degrees C matured slowly and invaded poorly. Growth seemed to arrest when parasites reached a maturation equivalent to 30 h, although they reestablished their growth normally when returned to 37 degrees C. On the other hand, 36-h synchronized parasites that were transferred to 28 degrees C completed their cell cycle with a 12-16 h delay, but without changes in the parasite as seen by light microscopy and without a diminution in the efficiency of the invasion or in the incorporation of 35S-methionine. These results might be useful for obtaining parasites at defined stages of development at the desired time.
authors: Faculty of Sciences, National University of Colombia.
authors: M O
authors: MO
authors: Rojas
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Wasserman
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003080:Cold Temperature; D004912:Erythrocytes; D006801:Humans; D010963:Plasmodium falciparum / Q000254:growth & development*; D013696:Temperature