Incubation in Mice Provides a Signal for the Differentiation of Trypanosoma cruzi Epimastigotes to Trypomastigotes1

The differentiation of Trypanosoma cruzi epimastigotes into trypomastigotes was studied in diffusion chambers sub-cutaneously implanted in mice. Using epimastigotes of the Tulahuén strain, transformation was first evident at 16 h after implantation and reached its maximum (92% trypomastigotes) by 24 h. Shortly before their differentiation into trypomastigotes, epimastigotes were found to develop resistance to lysis by the alternative pathway of complement. Furthermore, implantation of stationary-phase (as opposed to log-phase) parasites resulted in the accumulation of large numbers of complement-resistant epimastigotes in the chambers. These observations suggest that epimastigotes pass through a complement-resistant transitional stage before differentiating into trypomastigotes and that transformation may require cell division. In a further series of experiments, epimastigotes recovered 7 h after implantation in mice were found to differentiate into trypomastigotes when cultured in vitro for an additional 17 h at 37°C. This observation indicates that the events which trigger the morphologic transformation of epimastigotes into trypomastigotes can be dissociated operationally from the differentiation process itself.     

Hexapod crabs of the genus Goniocypoda H. Woodward from the Upper Eocene of Hampshire

Two species belonging to the hexapod crab genus Goniocypoda are described from the Upper Eocene Barton Beds exposed in the cliff sections of Christchurch Bay, Hampshire. One of these, G. quaylei sp. nov., is described for the first time; the second species, G. edwardsi H. Woodward, is redescribed in the light of information obtained from a re-examination of the holotype and from new material. The morphology and relationships of other members of the genus are discussed in detail.