F-actin and beta-tubulin localization in the myxospore stinging apparatus of Myxobolus pseudodispar Gorbunova, 1936 (Myxozoa, Myxosporea)

To understand the discharge mechanism of Myxozoan polar capsule (cnida) it is necessary to verify the role of major cytoskeletal proteins in the process. With this aim F-actin and beta-tubulin localization in spores of myxosporean developmental phase (in myxospores) of Myxobolus pseudodispar Gorbunova, 1936 has been studied under confocal scanning laser microscope using phalloidin fluorescent staining of F-actin and indirect anti-beta-tubulin immunostaining. F-actin has been detected in walls of the stinging tube invaginated into the polar capsule of myxospore. The fact suggests the contractile proteins involvement in the process of myxozoan polar capsule extrusion. In addition, the cytoplasm of amoeboid sporoplasm inside the spore cavity is stained by phalloidin. A polar cap with strong beta-tubulin immunoreacton is observed at the front pole of fully mature myxospore above the outlets of the polar capsule discharge channels. The role of the beta-tubulin cap is supposed to be similar to that of the cnidarian cnidocil made of microtubules. The weaker beta-tubulin immunoreactivity has been found in stinging tubes, in polar capsule walls as well as in the suture line of spore walls and in the cytoplasm of amoeboid sporoplasm. The involvement of cytoskeletal proteins in the process of polar capsule extrusion is discussed. A hypothesis on the myxozoan polar capsule discharge mechanism is suggested. The mechanism of myxozoan cnida discharge is compared with that of cnidaria.