A method for the sequential study of eimerian chromosomes by light and electron microscopy

In the present study, the authors describe a simple method to isolate chrom osomes from eimerian oocysts and to submit them to sequential study by ligh t and electron microscopy. This method includes a reliable and reproducible technique for transferring eimerian chromosomes from slides to grid that f ulfills the essential requirements for generalized use in cytogenetics. In addition, this method overcomes the difficulty of the resistance of protozo an oocysts to disruption and permits the release of intact meiotic chromoso mes. The observation by the authors of synaptonemal complexes in meiotic ch romosomes of different Eimeria species by applying the above-mentioned meth od to oocysts revealed its importance to future applications. (C) 2001 Else vier Science B.V. All rights reserved.