The Effect of Homologous Rabbit Antiserum on the Growth of Leishmania tarentolae—a Fine Structure Study |
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Authors: | PHYLLIS R STRAUSS |
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Institution: | Rockefeller Univ., New York, N. Y. 10021 |
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Abstract: | SYNOPSIS. The fine structure of Leishmania tarentolae growing in the presence of homologous rabbit antiserum was investigated. Immediately after agglutination of the promastigotes, a dense band between pellicles of adjacent cells could be seen, and a surface coat was rendered visible. The cells did not fuse. At dilutions of antiserum from 1:100–1:1200 the promastigotes continued to grow, forming large masses. By 5 days these consisted of individual cells adhering to one another. In cross-section, any 2 cells were separated by 2 membranes with associated subpellicular fibrils and a dense band between the 2 membranes. The term syncytium generally refers to a multinucleate cell originating by fusion of several cells and has been used to mean a multinucleate cell arising from nuclear division unaccompanied by cytokinesis. Therefore, it is unlikely that the masses formed in the presence of homologous antiserum are syncytia. |
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