Gamete development in malaria parasites: bicarbonate-dependent stimulation by pH in vitro | Parasitology | Cambridge Core (original) (raw)

Summary

Gametogenesis in Plasmodium gallinaceum involves bicarbonate-dependent processes and requires a continuous supply of glucose (presumably as an energy source). Emergence and exflagellation of gametocytes, in vitro, occur independently of the CO2 tension but are rigidly correlated with the pH of the external medium. In bicarbonate-saline gametogenesis is initiated only if the pH exceeds 7·7. Our results suggest that gamete development of malaria parasites is stimulated when infected blood is exposed to air because the decrease in the CO2 tension of the blood causes its pH to rise.

References

Bishop, A. & McConnachie, E. W. (1956). A study of the factors affecting the emergence of the gametocytes of Plasmodium gallinaceum from the erythrocytes and the exflagellation of the male gametocytes. Parasitology 46, 192–215.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed

Bishop, A. & McConnachie, E. W. (1960). Further observations on the in vitro development of the gametocytes of Plasmodium gallinaceum. Parasitology 50, 431–48.CrossRefGoogle Scholar

Carter, R. & Nijhout, M. M. (1977). Control of gamete formation (exflagellation) in malaria parasites. Science 195, 407–9.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed

Christophers, R. (1963). Aedes aegypti (L.), the Yellow Fever Mosquito. London: Cambridge University Press.Google Scholar

Desser, S. S., Fallis, A. M. & Allison, F. R. (1976). Nuclear changes preceding microgamete formation in Leucocytozoon simondi and Leucocytozoon tawaki. Canadian Journal of Zoology 54, 799–801.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed

Dvorak, J. A. & Stotler, W. F. (1971). A controlled-environment culture system for high resolution light microscopy. Experimental Cell Research 68, 144–8.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed

Garnham, P. C. C. (1966). Malaria Parasites and Other Haemosporidia. Oxford: Blackwell Scientific Publications.Google Scholar

MacCallum, W. G. (1897). On the flagellated form of the malarial parasite. Lancet 11, 1240–1.CrossRefGoogle Scholar

Marcheaux, E. & Chorine, V. (1932). Lafécondation des gametes d'haematozoaires. Annales de l'Institut Pasteur 49, 75–102.Google Scholar

Micks, D. W., de Caires, P. F. & Franco, L. B. (1948). The relationship of exflagellation in avian plasmodia to pH and immunity in the mosquito. American Journal of Hygiene 48, 182–90.Google ScholarPubMed

Roller, N. R. & Desser, S. S. (1973). The effect of temperature, age and density of gametocytes, and changes in gas composition on exflagellation of Leucocytozoon simondi. Canadian Journal of Zoology 51, 577–87.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed

Sigaard-Anderson, O. (1964). The Acid Base Status of the Blood. Baltimore: Williams and Williams.Google Scholar

Sturkie, P. D. (1965). Avian Physiology. Ithaca: Cornell University Press.Google Scholar

Umbreit, W. W., Burris, R. H. & Stauffer, J. F. (1964). Manometric Techniques. Minneapolis: Burgess Publishing Company.Google Scholar

Wigglesworth, V. B. (1974). The Principles of Insect Physiology. London: Chapman and Hall.CrossRefGoogle Scholar