title: Vahlkampfia sp: structural observations of cultured trophozoites.
abstract: Some structural observations on cultured Vahlkampfia sp. trophozoites are reported. Trophozoites are active and pleomorphic, producing large cell protrusions related to locomotion such as lamellipodia, filopodia and endocytic structures formed by hyaline cytoplasm, in which actin provides a framework that allows rapid changes in morphology. As observed by transmission electron microscopy, the cytoplasm is highly granular masking some cell organelles and the major cytoplasmic membrane systems. The structure of cell organelles such as the nucleus, endoplasmic reticulum, and digestive vacuoles is described. A common finding was the presence of 50 nm electron-dense round granules that are not limited by a membrane and that appear scattered in the cytoplasm, and whose function remains unknown. Apparently, the cell reserve material is glycogen, since complete trophozoites were positive to Schiff periodic-acid technique.
authors: Department of Infectomic and Molecular Pathogenesis, Center for Research and Advanced Studies, Mexico City, Mexico. goroa@cinvestav.mx
authors: Arturo
authors: A
authors: González-Robles
authors: Lizbeth
authors: L
authors: Salazar-Villatoro
authors: Mónica
authors: M
authors: González-Lázaro
authors: Maritza
authors: M
authors: Omaña-Molina
authors: Adolfo
authors: A
authors: Martínez-Palomo
mesh_terms: D000562:Amebiasis / Q000469:parasitology*; D006801:Humans; D007634:Keratitis / Q000469:parasitology*; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D046529:Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence; D008858:Microscopy, Phase-Contrast; D011134:Polysaccharides / Q000032:analysis; D016847:Schizopyrenida / Q000166:cytology / Q000254:growth & development / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D053058:Trophozoites / Q000166:cytology / Q000254:growth & development / Q000648:ultrastructure
chemical_list: D011134:Polysaccharides