Plasmodium falciparum-induced channels.
To survive within a red blood cell, the malaria parasite alters dramatically the permeability of the host's plasma membrane (allowing the uptake of essential nutrients and the removal of potentially hazardous metabolites). The pathway(s) responsible for the increased permeability have been proposed as putative chemotherapeutic targets and/or selective routes for antimalarial agents that target the internal parasite. This review covers our current understanding of this parasite-induced phenomenon in Plasmodium falciparum-infected human red blood cells. In particular, recent electrophysiological studies, using the patch-clamp technique, are reviewed.
Staines
Henry M
HM
University Laboratory of Physiology, Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PT, UK. henry.staines@physiol.ox.ac.uk
Powell
Trevor
T
Thomas
Serge L Y
SL
Ellory
J Clive
JC
D000818:Animals; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000469:parasitology; D002463:Cell Membrane Permeability / Q000502:physiology; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000469:parasitology*; D006790:Host-Parasite Interactions / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007473:Ion Channels / Q000502:physiology; D016778:Malaria, Falciparum / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D008954:Models, Biological; D010963:Plasmodium falciparum / Q000502:physiology*
D007473:Ion Channels