Changes in the structural organization of the cytoskeleton of Tritrichomonas foetus during trophozoite-pseudocyst transformation. (June 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: de Andrade Rosa, Ivone; de Souza, Wanderley; Benchimol, Marlene
• Is Part Of: Micron. Volume 73(2015:Jun.)
• Page Start: 28
• Page End: 35
• Publication Date: 2015-06
• Subjects: EFF endoflagellar form -- SEM scanning electron microscopy -- TEM transmission electron microscopy -- LSCM laser scanning confocal microscopy -- PBS phosphate-buffered saline -- BSA/PBS bovine serum albumin/PBS; Endoflagellar form -- Axostyle -- Costa -- High resolution scanning electron microscopy -- Protozoan -- Cytoskeleton; Microscopy -- Periodicals; Electron Probe Microanalysis -- Periodicals; Microscopy -- Periodicals; Microscopie -- Périodiques; Microscopy; Periodicals; 502.82
• DOI: 10.1016/j.micron.2015.03.008
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0968-4328

Abstract

Highlights: High resolution SEM contributed to obtain the new structural data during piriform-pseudocyst transformation. The pseudocyst cytoskeleton undergo drastic morphological changes. In multinucleated/polymastigont pseudocyst the costa acquires variable conformations. In multinucleated/polymastigont pseudocyst the axostyle can be fragmented. Abstract: Tritrichomonas foetus is a parasite that causes bovine trichomonosis, a major sexually transmitted disease in cattle. It grows in axenic media as a trophozoite with a pear-shaped body, three anterior flagella, and one recurrent flagellum. However, under some well-controlled experimental conditions in vitro, as well as in vivo in infected bulls, the parasite acquires a spherical or elliptical shape, and the flagella are internalized but the cells do not display a cyst wall. This form, known as the endoflagellar or pseudocystic form, is viable, and can be transformed back to trophozoites with pear-shaped body. We used confocal laser scanning microscopy, and high resolution scanning electron microscopy to examine the changes that take place in the protozoan cytoskeleton during trophozoite-pseudocyst transformation. Results confirmed previous studies and added new structural information to the organization of cytoskeletal structures during the transformation process. We observed that changes take place in the pseudocysts' axostyle and costa, which acquired a curved shape. In addition, the costa of multinucleated/polymastigont pseudocysts took variable conformations while curved. The costa accessory structure, as well as a network of filaments connecting this structure to the region where the recurrent flagellum associates to the protozoan body, was not seen in pseudocysts. In addition, the axostyle was fragmented during trophozoite-pseudocyst transformation.