Ca. Clavijo et al., IDENTIFICATION OF NOVEL MEMBRANE STRUCTURES IN PLASMODIUM-FALCIPARUM-INFECTED ERYTHROCYTES, Memorias do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, 93(1), 1998, pp. 115-120
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.