Trypanosoma cruzi: Role of macrophage membrane components in the phagocytosis of bloodstream forms |
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| Authors: | Alcino Alcantara Zigman Brener |
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| Affiliation: | Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou, FIOCRUZ, C. P. 1743 and Department of Parasitology, University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil |
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| Abstract: | The phagocytosis of Trypanosoma cruzi bloodstream forms is mediated by macrophage Pronase-sensitive membrane components. Trypsin and chymotrypsin treatment of macrophages, which prevents the uptake of T. cruzi culture forms, does not inhibit the phagocytosis of bloodstream parasites. The phagocytosis activity of the macrophages was recovered within 6–8 hr after the removal of Pronase. Inhibition of protein synthesis after Pronase treatment prevents the recovery of the endocytic activity of the macrophages. Fc and C3b receptors are not apparently essential for the phagocytosis of T. cruzi bloodstream forms. The described membrane components may help to explain the tropism of some T. cruzi strains for cells of the mononuclear phagocytic system in the living host. |
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| Keywords: | bloodstream forms Protozoa parasitic Macrophage membrane receptors Phagocytosis Fc C3b receptors Trypsin Chymotrypsin Pronase Cycloheximide Chagas' disease |
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