IDENTIFICATION OF NOVEL MEMBRANE STRUCTURES IN PLASMODIUM-FALCIPARUM-INFECTED ERYTHROCYTES

Little is known about the molecular mechanisms underlying the release of merozoites from malaria infected erythrocytes. In this study membra nous structures present in the culture medium at the time of merozoite release have been characterized. Biochemical and ultrastructural evid ence indicate that membranous structures consist of the infected eryth rocyte membrane, the parasitophorous vacuolar membrane and a residual body containing electron dense material. These are subcellular compart ments expected in a structure that arises as a consequence of merozoit e release from the infected cell. Ultrastructural studies show that a novel structure extends from the former parasite compartment to the su rface membrane. Since these membrane modifications are detected only a fter merozoites have been released from the infected erythrocyte, it i s proposed that they might play a role in the release of merozoites fr om the host cell.