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Effect of a phorbol ester on basic surface properties of trichomonads
V L Bonilha1, E M Saraiva, F C Silva Filho
1Departamento de Parasitologia e Biofísica Celular, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Cell Biophysics
|February 1, 1992
Summary
12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) increases adhesion in parasitic protozoa Trichomonas vaginalis and Tritrichomonas foetus by altering cell surface charge and tension. Sphingosine treatment reversed these TPA-induced effects in these important protozoan parasites.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Trichomonas vaginalis and Tritrichomonas foetus are significant urogenital parasitic protozoa.
- Understanding cell surface properties is crucial for parasite-host interactions and developing treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) on the cell surface of Trichomonas vaginalis and Tritrichomonas foetus.
- To explore how TPA influences parasite adhesion, surface charge, and lectin agglutination.
Main Methods:
- Measurement of parasite surface tension and electrokinesis.
- Lectin agglutination assays.
- Adhesion tests on plastic and glass substrates.
- Treatment with TPA and sphingosine.
Main Results:
- TPA significantly increased parasite adhesion to inert substrates.
- TPA altered parasite surface tension and increased net negative surface charge.
- Lectin assays indicated potential changes in oligosaccharide composition due to TPA.
- Sphingosine counteracted TPA's effects, reducing the activated cell phenotype.
Conclusions:
- TPA induces significant changes in the cell surface of Trichomonas and Tritrichomonas.
- These alterations enhance parasite adhesion, potentially impacting infectivity.
- Sphingosine can reverse TPA-mediated surface modifications in these protozoa.