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Pseudocysts in trichomonads--new insights
Antonio Pereira-Neves1, Karla Consort Ribeiro, Marlene Benchimol
1Projeto Jovens Talentos para a Ciência-CECIERJ-FAPERJ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Protist
|December 9, 2003
Summary
Trichomonad parasites, Tritrichomonas foetus and Trichomonas vaginalis, form resistant pseudocysts under stress. These pseudocysts are capable of division and reversibly revert to trophozoites.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Cell Biology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Tritrichomonas foetus and Trichomonas vaginalis are parasitic protists inhabiting the urogenital tract.
- These organisms exhibit both trophozoite and pseudocyst stages.
- The pseudocyst stage is typically observed under unfavorable environmental conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the ultrastructure of trichomonad trophozoites and pseudocysts.
- To investigate the formation, characteristics, and behavior of pseudocysts.
- To determine if pseudocysts are a degenerate or resistant stage capable of division.
Main Methods:
- Light microscopy
- Scanning electron microscopy (SEM)
- Transmission electron microscopy (TEM)
- Immunofluorescence microscopy
- Videomicroscopy
Main Results:
- Pseudocysts form under stress conditions (e.g., hydroxyurea treatment, temperature fluctuations).
- Flagella are internalized within vacuoles but remain motile.
- The axostyle and costa are maintained, adopting a curved shape.
- Mitosis occurs within pseudocysts, featuring a unique nuclear canal and differing from trophozoite division.
- Pseudocysts are capable of division and can revert to trophozoites upon transfer to fresh medium.
Conclusions:
- Trichomonad pseudocysts represent a resistant, non-degenerate stage formed under stress.
- Pseudocyst formation is a reversible process.
- The unique mitotic process within pseudocysts highlights cellular adaptation strategies.